Bill Roberts, Verizon State President, Applauds Maryland Chapter of Verizon Pioneers

Pioneer, Barabara Takesian, Central Regional President, at the S.E. District Police Food Drive

The Pioneers, founded nearly 100 years ago by Alexander Graham Bell, has grown to become the largest industry-related volunteer organization in the world. Today, nearly 620,000 members dedicate their time and efforts to environmental and community service programs, and the mission to bring quality of life for others through fellowship and service holds strong.

The Verizon Pioneers are made up of 16 chapters throughout the United States, consisting of active and retired Verizon employees and their families. More than 1.8 million hours of volunteerism was accumulated in 2009, equating to more than $36 million of volunteer value given back to local communities.

Pioneer and Central Regional President, Barbara Takesian, reads to a group of students to encourage reading and enhance literacy through the Book 'Em program.

The Verizon Pioneers have been recognized with a myriad of awards such as Community Impact, Excellence in Fundraising, Project Excellence/Education and the Vice Presidents Award - to name but a few.

Adding to the Verizon Pioneers' deserving recognition, The Maryland Chapter recently received numerous accolades from Bill Roberts, Verizon's Maryland president, for its impact on the various communities that benefited from their volunteer services. Maryland Verizon Pioneers have addressed many of our nation's present day needs, such as education and literacy, domestic violence, internet safety, our military troops, the homeless, and hospitals and nursing homes.

Pioneer, Paul Redline, Past Chapter President, gathering Items for Shoe Box for Troops

The primary focus of the Verizon Pioneers is geared towards education. To help advance this cause, the Maryland chapter has participated in programs such as Book 'Em, which highlights the importance of reading for children's early learning and literacy; Students Under Construction, which is aimed towards improving the behaviors and attitudes of children in a school setting; and the Internet Safety Course, which uses Thinkfinity.org as a tool, and teaches children the potential dangers of the internet and the consequences of cyber bullying.

In regards to the Maryland Chapter of Verizon Pioneers, Bill Roberts states, "One act of kindness truly goes a long way. To give to someone without any reward or recognition is a special quality in itself, which each of you have demonstrated throughout your years of service as a Pioneer."

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