First Lady Karen Pence to Host Phone Drive Through HopeLine from Verizon to Assist Survivors of Domestic Violence in Indiana

Indianapolis – First Lady Karen Pence today announced she is hosting a phone drive with HopeLine from Verizon throughout the month of October to assist survivors of domestic violence in Indiana. This is the third year the First Lady has participated in the initiative and, according to Verizon, the drive is considered to be one of the largest consecutive HopeLine collections in the nation.

“HopeLine from Verizon is an incredible program, and I trust that these donations over the next month will make a noticeable difference for survivors of domestic violence across the state,” said First Lady Karen Pence. “I am very grateful for the efforts of state employees. Last year they dropped off 1,367 phones in HopeLine boxes around the government center campus. I am looking forward to watching our progress throughout the month of October as we continue to work together to make a difference and bring awareness to domestic violence.”

The phone drive, launched in conjunction with domestic violence awareness month, will collect no-longer-used cell phones and accessories from any provider for survivors of domestic violence. HopeLine provides new phones equipped with 3,000 anytime minutes to those in need through participating domestic violence agencies, and give grants to agencies that assist survivors of domestic violence. The donated phones are refurbished and recycled in an environmentally safe way with proceeds going towards the financial support of domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives.

Since 2001, HopeLine from Verizon has collected more than 11.4 million phones nationwide and has donated more than $29 million in cash grants to domestic violence organizations nationwide.

“First Lady Karen Pence’s drives are one of the most successful drives in the nation and engages thousands of people at a single time,” said John Granby, Verizon Great Lakes market president. “The commitment of our partners makes it possible to support community organizations that are on the front line assisting survivors and their families.”

Donation boxes will be located among Indiana’s state agencies as well as in the Indiana Statehouse outside the Office of the First Lady, Room 215, and the Office of the Governor, Room 206. Steps on how to donate phones through HopeLine from Verizon can be found attached, and photos from the event can be found below.

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