The Verizon Foundation is now asking for the public’s assistance as it partners with the National Network to End Domestic Violence to launch its fourth annual Shower for the Shelter campaign to help survivors of domestic violence.
The drive – running through May 21 – will be held at 300 Verizon facilities across the country. It aims to provide badly needed clothing, personal items and other household supplies to support shelters serving as a refuge for the survivors of domestic violence.
In addition, Verizon employees and other individuals can make a tax deductible online donation to the National Network to End Domestic Violence through the campaign’s website.
The U.S. Justice Department says that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and it remains the leading cause of injury for American women between the ages of 15 and 44.
"Domestic violence affects us all, and all of us must be part of the solution," said Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. "Contributions collected through this campaign will go to domestic violence shelters across the country to buy necessities like clothing, diapers and first aid supplies for survivors and their children."
Since the start of the Shower for the Shelter campaign in 2007, Verizon employees have collected more than $1 million worth of household items for shelters.
The Verizon Foundation has made domestic violence prevention one of its core efforts. The foundation’s work has focused on education initiatives and prevention, along with fast relief and empowerment programs.
Over the past three years, the foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to nonprofit organizations focused on helping the survivors of domestic violence.
The Verizon Wireless HopeLine program has also generated another $8 million for local agencies by collecting, recycling and refurbishing more than 7 million no-longer-used cell phones.