Verizon has announced a groundbreaking initiative, erasing $10 million in consumer debt for 6,500 individuals in Western North Carolina. Partnering with the nonprofit ForgiveCo, the telecommunications giant aimed to provide much-needed relief to families still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
The forgiven debts included medical bills, financial obligations, and other essential expenses, providing much-needed relief to families still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Verizon made the announcement even more personal by enlisting former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams to deliver the news directly to some of the beneficiaries. Williams personally called several families to inform them that their debts had been cleared and to offer words of encouragement. Others were notified through letters, emails, and text messages.
“To the 6,500 individuals impacted by this initiative and the broader Western North Carolina community, we are with you,” said Verizon’s Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. “We will always stand by you, not just as a business, but as a partner and a neighbor.”
This generous contribution builds upon Verizon’s previous $400,000 donation to the United Way of North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.