Verizon Wireless, Falcons Make Merry at Homeless Shelter

Verizon Wireless employees and members of the Atlanta Falcons spent Tuesday afternoon with young residents of Atlanta Mission My Sister’s House, a 264-bed facility that offers overnight shelter and residential discipleship programs for homeless women and women with children, supporting the homeless shelter’s efforts to make the holidays a little brighter this year for families in need.

Verizon presented the organization with a $12,000 HopeLine® donation to support the Mission’s work around domestic violence as part of its Personal Development Program residential curriculum. The company also presented approximately 50 winter coats collected as part of an employee drive, to be used by the shelter’s children during the cold winter months.

Leveraging its long partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, Verizon enlisted safety Thomas DeCoud and running back Steven Jackson to join in the fun by reading stories to the kids via a wireless tablet and making holiday crafts with almost 90 children of various ages. The two players also signed autographs for those in attendance.

“We have a long history of supporting organizations that work to prevent domestic violence and support women and children in need, and it was our privilege to host this event,” said Jonathan LeCompte, president, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region. “Our employees jumped in to volunteer, donate coats and support the Mission and we were thrilled that Steven Jackson and Thomas DeCoud could join us to make the event even more special for the kids.”

“The event Verizon hosted yesterday was a great treat for our families and the generous donation means that these children, who have been through so much already this year, will be warm and safe this holiday season. We are so thankful to Verizon for their support,” said Britton Clark, media relations manager of Atlanta Mission. “Our vision is for a city unified in ending homeless, and last night’s event is a perfect example of Atlanta coming together to serve women and children in need.”