Wool E. Bull encourages the phone bank volunteers during WRAL-TV's 21st Annual Coats for the Children Telethon on Friday, December 11th.

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WRAL-TV viewers reached out in a big way on Friday, December 11, 2009.  Callers & online contributors donated a grand total of $65,810 during the 21st Coats for Children Telethon!  That total topped last year’s numbers by almost $10,000, simply amazing in today’s economy.

“Friday, during our Telethon, there was such a positive energy in the Coats studio AND outside in the snow!” said WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish.  “Everyone enjoys this project because we are helping local children, in need, stay warmer this winter.”

Parish produced the daylong event, which included everything from Brian Shrader & David Crabtree wearing a crazy hat, to Wool E. Bull cheerleading the phone bank volunteers, to snow falling on the WRAL-TV front lawn.

WRAL-TV's David Crabtree (right) conducts an interview as it "snows" on the WRAL plaza.

WRAL-TV's Phyllis Parish works hard behind the scenes as she executive produces the telethon.

“There was great teamwork between all of our departments during the daylong Telethon,” she said.  “...it was fun TV for a great cause!  The Salvation Army will be able to reach out and help many, many local families, thanks to our Coats Telethon.  Our viewers are very generous. They understand the increased need, this year...they opened their hearts, Friday, and responded, once again, very generously.”

Because of the kindness of strangers, many Triangle children who would’ve otherwise been cold this winter will have warm coats, long underwear, gloves, scarves and hats.

Parish echoed the sentiments of WRAL’s chief, “As WRAL-TV VP & GM Steve Hammel said about the Coats team, ‘Your efforts, caring and good energy translated to our viewers’.”

Thanks to the generous and big-hearted WRAL viewers who contributed to the telethon and have already brought coats by drop-off locations this year.  And thanks to the many more who will contribute before the campaign ends on December 31st.

Warmest wishes for the holidays!

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