Heroes
Two Major Companies Erase $10M Debt For 6,500 Families!

Quick Smiles:
- Verizon and ForgiveCo teamed up to erase $10 million in debt for 6,500 North Carolinians.
- Surprise notifications brought relief to families still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
- Basketball legend Roy Williams delivered the uplifting news personally.
In a remarkable act of generosity, Verizon has partnered with ForgiveCo to wipe away a staggering $10 million in consumer debt for 6,500 residents of Western North Carolina.
These individuals, still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, received unexpected relief from their financial burdens.
Verizon, a leading telecommunications company, collaborated with ForgiveCo—a company known for its “random acts of kindness” model that purchases consumer debt without requiring applications or additional steps from recipients.
The impacted families were informed of this life-changing news through surprise letters, emails, and text messages.
Adding a personal touch to this already extraordinary gesture, Basketball Hall of Fame coach and Asheville native Roy Williams took on the role of messenger.
“These are challenging times, but I’ve seen the strength and resilience of this community,” he shared.
“Verizon’s support is a powerful reminder that no one is alone, and together, we’ll rise stronger.”
Among those profoundly affected was Shelley Queen from Jackson County, whose home was destroyed by the hurricane.
She had been struggling with medical debt following a diabetes diagnosis that turned her family’s life upside down.
“There were numerous hospital visits, including times I was in a coma and needed a pump to survive,” Shelley explained.
“These medical challenges have been difficult, both emotionally and financially. This forgiveness is truly a life-changing gift.”
Craig Antico, Founder and CEO of ForgiveCo, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Through this effort, Verizon will bring transformative change to the lives of North Carolinians in crisis, leaving a lasting mark on future generations.”
Tim Luker, also from Jackson County, faced his own set of challenges with congestive heart disease and storm damage.
“When I got out of the hospital, I couldn’t go home because of storm damage,” he recalled.
“It means everything to me,” Tim expressed.
“I don’t have much… $11,000 is life-changing for someone like me.”
This collaboration between Verizon and ForgiveCo is a testament to the power of community and the impact of corporate kindness in times of need.

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Mcg
March 6, 2025 at 9:14 am
PMajor props to Forgive and to Verizon for stepping up.