Verizon and ForgiveCO
Today’s story comes from the Good News Network
Verizon Erased $10 Million of Consumer Debt for 6,500 North Carolina Residents in Path of Hurricane Helene
Verizon teamed up with ForgiveCo to eliminate $10 million in consumer debt for 6,500 Western North Carolinians who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s sweeping devastation.
The North Carolina families learned that Verizon—the world’s second-largest telecommunications company—cleared their medical, financial, and other debts with the help of ForgiveCo, whose “random acts of kindness” model purchases consumer debt with no applications required. In fact, the beneficiaries did not need to take further action.
Recipients were then notified through surprise letters, emails, and text messages.
But if a phone call learning that your debt has been cleared isn’t exciting enough, Basketball Hall of Fame coach and Asheville native Roy Williams has signed on to share the news with the impacted families.
“These are challenging times, but I’ve seen the strength and resilience of this community. Verizon’s support is a powerful reminder that no one is alone, and together, we’ll rise stronger,” said Mr. Williams.
“It’s a privilege to share this message of hope with the incredible people of North Carolina.”
The hurricane destroyed Shelley Queen’s home in Jackson County. Still, she was one of those touched by Verizon, having medical debt forgiven after she was diagnosed with diabetes, which 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. 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, confirmed the debt relief, saying, “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, who also lives in Jackson County, has congestive heart disease and was hospitalized the day before the hurricane hit. Since then, he’s been working tirelessly to clean up lots of water damage, floor issues, and yard damage. “When I got out of the hospital, I couldn’t go home because of storm damage.”
“It means everything to me,” said Tim. “I don’t have much… $11,000 is life-changing for someone like me.”
“This makes a huge difference.”
The good news in this story is that a giant company is willing to help its customers in their time of need. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping others. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.
Giving by John W. Howell © 2025
A large company,
Finds out helping customers . . .
Is good for business.
Fiction Favorites 
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What a difference this has made to lives. Thank you for bringing us a good news story when there’s been such devastation.
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I thought the same, Esther. Thanks.
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Not only good for business, it’s a life changer for so many! BRAVO!!
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I agree, GP. 😀
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Honestly, that’s surprising for a modern corporation. Good move on their part.
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Nice work, Verizon.
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For sure. Thanks, Craig.
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Three cheers for Verizon!!
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Yay. 😀
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It’s amazing to me that Verizon did so much to help those people.
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I’m as amazed as you, Tim.
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Good to hear some companies can still show compassion. Have a great weekend, John!
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Thank you, Teri. Have a good weekend as well.
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That is brilliant John.. thanks for sharing. hugsx
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A pleasure, Sally. 😀
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Such good news. This is fantastic!
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It is. Thank you, Stevie.
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Thank you for sharing, John. What a relief for those people! Makes me feel better about paying my Verizon bill every month. A lovely Friday to you!
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Thank you, Michele. A lovely Friday to you as well.
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🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Hi John, this is a wonderful read. Thank you
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I agree, Robbie.
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I love when I hear of big corporations actually helping. And it feels like they are doing so for the good of the people, not to increase their bottom line.
Wonderful JohnKu.
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I agree, Dale. It was a terrific story.
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Unheard of in this day and age, even through struggles – you still have to pay. They’ve already gone through so much, nice of them to have a bit of a reprieve. 🙏
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Maybe we will hear from more companies.
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This was great new for sure. I hope they can rebuild their lives. 🙏
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That is the significant consideration. 😊
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Wow! I love this SO much!
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Thank you, Jan. I did too.
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Your JohnKu is spot on! And what great PR Verizon is getting from its generosity!
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I know. It has to be worth it.
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Wow, that amount is not only impressive, it truly is good news! Bravo to Verizon. Thanks for the share-I needed that today.
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Thank you, Monika.
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This gladdens the heart. I knew that Roy Williams (we call him Coach Roy, one of the nicest people you could ever meet) had donated a lot of money. It will take years for this area of my state to recover, but the outpouring of help from people in this state is amazing. Everything from food, water purification systems. trailers, tiny homes, etc. The new Department of the Interior Secretary completed the reconstruction of I 40 through the mountains in 90 days, compared to the months predicted by the previous Secretary. We live in a great country.
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It’s a small thing for a large company and a large thing for the world of compassion!
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So well said, Annette.
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In the past I did not hear a lot of good about Verizon but that was nice of them.
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I used to work for AT&T and Verizon kept us on our toes.
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I’ve had AT&T for 20 years but there’s nothing wrong with being on your toes
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Ha ha ha
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That’s so amazingly wonderful and I’m sure life changing for some.
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I’ll bet. Thanks, Deborah.
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Always a good feeling when companies put people over profits. I know that doesn’t happen often.
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It is a good feeling. Thanks, Pete..
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Wow!
Once again you have provided us with the best in people, Boss. This venture, undertaken by Verizon with help from ForgiveCo is proof that the great good work of people is being done on the regular. And while I’ve been a critic of Roy Williams in the past, coach really came through here, with a message of hope and help for the people affected most of all. Good for everyone.
Brilliant Friday work, as per
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You said it, Pilgrim. This is humanity at its best.
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It sure is.
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😊
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This makes me happy on many levels. Nice to see a corporation doing some good.
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Me too, Denise.
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We can’t forget about the mountain folks. Thanks, Tim, for keeping the good news going!
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Yes indeed.
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Dear friends live in Asheville, and the devastation was horrific. Still, even though FEMA didn’t step in, the communities really helped each other. This story is wonderful.
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My granddaughter lived in Asheville. The Federal response there was criminal.
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Yes, it was. Thank goodness people rallied and helped each other.
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I agree. 😊
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🙂
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Wow, John. I needed to read some good news and this one is a whopper for those living in Asheville. Corporations being kind happens, I guess, but we don’t see it often. What a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do. There’s hope.
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Yes, this is a good story for sure. I’m glad you liked it.
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It appears at least 1 large business has remembered the #1 asset that any business has – Good Will. I learned that in college.
A great report, definitely good news, and a fab JohnKu!
𝒪𝒳 𝒪𝒳 𝒪𝒳
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I liked this story since it showed that a company can put its money toward helping customers.. Thanks on the JohnKu.
OX OX OX OX
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OX OX OX OX
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😊X
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Wow. That’s wonderful. Could be a pr stunt, but who cares?
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Who cares indeed. Thanks.
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[…] Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News […]
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Thank you for the feature, Sally.
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What a wonderful story, John!
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It is Joy. Thank you.
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It’s so rare and wonderful to get good news these days. Bravo Verizon. Thanks for sharing, John.
Cheers
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I agree. Good news is hared to find.
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That’s amazing.
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It is Andrew. Thank you. 😊
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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I love hearing that. I regularly growl at them for something in my bill. I will now be more patient.
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Yes, the poor dears
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Thanks for wearing some good news and such a nice gesture. Considering how things are going, we need to regain our trust in the goodwill of people.
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I agree, Olga. There is not enough of nice going around these days. We must keep at it. 😀
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