What was initially going to be a $500 check presentation to the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps ended up doubling to $1,000 after Newtown Verizon Wireless store operators met VCA Corps Chief Michael Collins and learned the funds would underwrite the replacement of a damaged heart-starting and potentially life-saving automatic external defibrillator or AED.

Verizon Regional Manager Tamar Bundy and store manager Chris Faett also challenged other Newtown businesses to match their donation to replace the all the aging AEDs on Newtown’s three ambulances, which are staffed by an all-volunteer corps of emergency medical responders.

Any local business or business person wishing to answer the “defibrillator donation challenge” can contact Chief Collins at 203-313-7674 or chief@newtown-ambulance.org.