Verizon | Verizon Communities

ALL OF US AT VERIZON are proud to be the recipients of the 2008 Governor's Volunteer Service Award. (L -R) John Ruddick, vice president; First Lady Gayle Manchin; Laura Beard, a volunteer and a member of the Communications Workers of America, an important partner; and Sam Cipoletti of Verizon, co-chair with Mrs. Manchin of the Business Volunteer Council.

Verizon and our employees across the Mountain State are partners with the communities we serve. We volunteer. We make grants. Our retirees join us. And with our partners, we make a difference in West Virginia:

VOLUNTEERISM -- Our employees and the Verizon Foundation gave $665,000 to 325 non-profits, schools and churches in 2007 to improve basic literacy skills, create new and diverse approaches to technology-based learning, and help domestic violence victims rebuild their lives. Every Verizon employee receives $1,500 per year for their volunteer work. Last year, they volunteered more than 16,000 hours and were awarded the 2008 Governor's Volunteer Service Award. We partner with the Communications Workers of America on key community issues such as the annual United Food Operation or UFO.

VERIZON FOUNDATION -- We make grants to nonprofit partners who share our passion for literacy, domestic violence prevention and for improving lives through technology. An example -- the Charleston YWCA Safe Date program, helping teens to recognize and deal with behaviors that often lead to abusive, even dangerous relationships.

THINKFINITY.ORG -- Verizon Foundation’s free, comprehensive program and online portal to 55,000 educational and literacy resources for teachers, parents and students. Resources include standards-based, grade-specific, K-12 lesson plans and engaging, interactive activities provided in partnership with many of the nation’s leading education and literacy organizations.

EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS -- Our employee organization, CITE, a consortium of African-American employees, raises funds for scholarships for area high school seniors. Play golf with us on Oct. 18 and help deserving area students . Registration form here.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT -- Through a 26-year partnership with the Communications Workers of America, Local 2001, which represents our employees, we raise funds and food through the United Food Operation to feed the hungry during the hard months of winter. This year, we gathered more than 15,000 food items and donated $10,000.

PIONEERS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE -- Our Telecom Pioneers, the world's largest social service organization, is also one of West Virginia's oldest and most effective nonprofit organizations, dating back to the Bell System. This year, they marked the 30th year of service to disabled children and teens through the International Sports Jamboree for the Disabled, July 18-20 at North Bend State Park.

See the slideshow of the 30th Sports Jamboree.