Jan. 24, 2011

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Verizon Wireless and UNLV Athletics are inviting fans to go "green" and help curb domestic violence in the community at the same time.

The first 275 people to recycle a no-longer-used wireless phone through HopeLine from Verizon at any of the participating Verizon Wireless stores in metro Las Vegas from Jan. 22-30 will receive a pair of tickets to this season's UNLV men's basketball game against San Diego State on Feb. 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Official rules are available in participating stores or at www.verizoninsider.com/lasvegas.

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 have received a great response the last two years 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 Brian Danfield, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "Every phone counts."

Equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless store across the country or through the mail by downloading a postage-paid label at www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

HopeLine from Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence and cash grants to local shelters and nonprofit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention, awareness and advocacy. Phones that cannot be refurbished are recycled in an environmentally sound way under a zero-landfill policy.