Local Verizon Authorized Retailer Wireless Zone Stores Give Back More Than $240,000 in 2025 Through Community-Driven Initiatives

Giving back has long been a cornerstone of the culture at local Verizon Authorized Retailer Wireless Zone stores, and in 2025 that commitment reached a new milestone. Through a combination of year-round charitable programs and a fourth-quarter initiative called 1K for Good, the organization donated more than $240,000 to local nonprofits and community organizations throughout Eastern Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island.

A highlight of the fourth quarter was the company’s Nonprofit Open House, held at the newly remodeled Verizon Authorized Retailer Wireless Zone store in New London. The event brought together local nonprofit organizations to connect, share their missions, and learn more about available community grants. The open house also included the awarding of additional nonprofit grants as part of the 1K for Good initiative.

Recent attendees and grant recipients from the Nonprofit Open House included Acton Public Library, Garde Arts Center, Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, Chamber Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Connecticut Humane Society, Cactus Jack Foundation, Dogoholic Rescue Foundation, New London Homeless Hospitality Center, Ocean Community YMCA, Waterford Babe Ruth League, Read to Ride, Terry Broader Foundation, Norwich Free Academy, Befriend a Family, Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program, United Way, The Salvation Army, New England Science & Sailing, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, Waterford Country School, East Lyme Giving Garden, Mystic Aquarium, Safe Futures, Special Olympics, and the Johnnycake Center.

The 1K for Good program empowers employees to nominate local 501(c)(3) organizations that are making a meaningful impact in their communities. Each selected nonprofit receives a $1,000 grant, allowing frontline employees—those closest to the community—to help direct where the funding goes.

“1K for Good is special because it puts the decision-making in the hands of our team,” said Neil Ryan, local Verizon Authorized Retailer Wireless Zone franchise owner. “Our employees live here, raise families here, and volunteer here. They know where the needs are, and this program gives them a voice in supporting the causes they care about most.”

Beyond the fourth-quarter initiative, the Wireless Zone team supports the community year-round through the Wireless Zone Gives Foundation, which funds larger grants, school supply drives, food insecurity initiatives, and local fundraising events. Signature programs such as the annual Backpack Giveaway, seasonal food drives, and community open houses have become staples across the region.

“Surpassing $240,000 in giving this year is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Ryan added. “But what matters most isn’t the number—it’s the people behind it. Our mission is simple: take care of our customers, our employees, and our community.”

As the organization looks ahead to 2026, expanding employee-driven giving and strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits will remain a central focus.

For the Verizon Authorized Retailer Wireless Zone team, giving back isn’t a seasonal effort—it’s a year-round commitment rooted in gratitude for the communities that support their business every day.