Jan. 14, 2010

LAS VEGAS - Verizon Wireless and UNLV Athletics are inviting fans to go "green" and help curb domestic violence in the community. Fans attending the UNLV men's basketball game this Saturday, Jan. 16, against Utah at the Thomas & Mack Center can donate their used wireless phones and accessories to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine phone recycling and reuse program.

Drop boxes will be available just inside the fan entrance at the Thomas & Mack Center from 6 p.m. until the game starts at 7 p.m.

Every fan who donates a used phone will receive a two-for-one ticket voucher courtesy of UNLV Athletics redeemable for the Jan. 26 home game against Air Force (while supplies last).

In support of the collection, UNLV Athletics has been airing a Public Service Announcement on domestic violence awareness featuring Runnin' Rebel head coach Lon Kruger.

"Anything a community can do to work against domestic violence is worthwhile," Kruger said. "We received a great response last year in our first effort with this program and we are expecting even more fans to participate this time around."

"Rebels fans who received a new phone this holiday season - or anyone who wants to do something good for domestic violence victims and the environment - can make a difference," said Tony Heyman, regional president, Verizon Wireless. "Every phone counts."

Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any wireless service provider and turns the phones into support for victims of domestic violence. For more information on HopeLine or how to donate a no-longer-used wireless phone, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.