BANGOR – The Penquis Community Action Program Law Project recently was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Verizon HopeLine New England Grant Program. The project, which provides civil legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, will use the grant to pay fees associated with evidence, testimonials and services – such as witness fees, state background checks, mental health evaluations and depositions – when the client is unable to afford them.

The HopeLine New England Grant Program makes funds available to nonprofit organizations that work with victims of domestic violence.

The funds donated are the direct result of consumers donating their no-longer-used cell phones to HopeLineSM, Verizon Wireless’ national initiative that encourages consumers to recycle wireless products.

Recycling through HopeLine provides an environmentally friendly way to dispose of no longer used wireless phones while helping victims of domestic violence at the same time.

Every Verizon Wireless communications store in the United States accepts old phones regardless of condition, manufacturer or carrier. Batteries and chargers are also accepted. Phones are refurbished and donated with airtime to domestic violence shelters, agencies and law enforcement groups to be used by women in emergency situations. Phones that are beyond repair are sold for parts. The proceeds are turned into cash for the grant program.

“I encourage anyone who has a cell phone that they no longer use to donate it to Verizon’s HopeLine program. The funds generated by this program are critical to the safety and well being of domestic violence victims. It’s an easy way to make a big difference in someone’s life,” said Tamar Mathieu, directing attorney for the Penquis Law Project.

As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs the company has organized since 1995, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 2 million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups. Last year, the company donated more than $3.7 million in monetary and other contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs. The company also donates phones, phone service and voice mailboxes to shelters to be used by women in emergency situations and for confidential communication.

To obtain more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.