The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Update: Tuesday, May 24 at 11:10 p.m.:

Thanks to the generosity of many Mid-Missourians and people across the country, KRCG helped raise $139,410 for the Red Cross.

Thanks to everyone who donated, no matter how big or small the amount.  All the money is going to the Red Cross and their efforts to help the people of Joplin rebuild.

Original Story:

KRCG and the Capital Area Chapter of the Red Cross are teaming up Tuesday to hold a telethon for tornado victims in Joplin.

The proceeds raised will be given directly to tornado victims in the Joplin area. It was something KRCG News Director Ladd Egan felt was important.

"KRCG viewers wanted to help the victims in Joplin," Egan said. "So we wanted to give them a local outlet to be able to donate money that would go straight to victims of this devastating storm."

The telethon will begin during KRCG News at Sunrise at 5 a.m. on Tuesday and continue through the day. KRCG staff members will man the telephone lines during the event.