NBC 10 ANNOUNCES TELETHON THIS WEDNESDAY TO HELP ALABAMA DISASTER VICTOMS

Media General, Inc., owners of NBC 10, announced that WVTM-TV in Birmingham, Ala. is organizing 24-hour telethon for the relief of tornado victims.

The telethon starts at 5 a.m. on Wednesday and continues until 3 a.m. Thursday.

During the telethon, the United Way of Central Alabama will staff an auditorium full of volunteers to answer calls from those people who wish to make a donation. Donations can also be made online and through mobile phones.

NBC 10, alongside Media General's other television stations, is helping to support the relief efforts including streaming a live shot of the United Way Donation Center on its website with details on how to donate.

NBC 10 will simulcast the prime time special on RTV, NBC 10's digital tier channel 10.2. from 9-10 p.m. on Wednesday. During this special, viewers will be updated on the situation in many Alabama communities, donations will be highlighted and various donation methods will be provided.

How to donate:

Phone: Call 1-855-205-HELP or 1-855-205-4357. (Note: The phone line will only be active during the telethon from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday.)

Online: If you'd like to donate online, visit http://www.uwca.org.

Mobile: To donate $10 via mobile phone, text the word 'TORNADO' to 50555.

Mail: If you'd like to make a donation through mail, you can send a donation to: United Way Tornado Disaster Fund, PO Box320189, Birmingham, Ala. 35232.

All donations will be handled and distributed by the UWCA Tornado Relief Fund. Donations will go toward the immediate needs of those most affected and to the long-term recovery and rebuilding effort. Callers may designate donations go to the United Way in any state affected by the deadly tornados.

"The devastation across the state and region in our local communities is horrific and the needs are so great for so many. NBC 10 and our entire Media General family has joined in the tornado relief efforts and we hope many other media entities can join in the promotion of the telethon and various methods to donate," said Gene Kirkconnell, general manager of WVTM.