In an effort to help end domestic violence in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois, the Chicago Bears have teamed up with Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Program.
Through the HopeLine Program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories (in any condition, from any carrier) in its stores nationwide and in special collections throughout the year. The phones are either refurbished or recycled. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless donates wireless phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence, and provides funding and other contributions to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.
To help spread the message about the importance of domestic violence prevention, Chicago Bear Roberto Garza has taped a special public service message encouraging people to donate phones to HopeLine yearlong. For the first time ever, the message is available in both English and Spanish.
Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 10 million wireless phones, awarded more than $18.1 million in cash grants to domestic violence organizations throughout the country. Last year in Illinois alone, more than 31,000 phones were donated to the program and more than $100,000 in cash grants to help survivors of domestic violence across the state.
Click here to view the Hopeline PSA featuring Roberto Garza.