WRAL-TV Anchors David Crabtree (left) & Kelcey Carlson get a little help from Wool E. Bull during WRAL’s Coats for Children Telethon.

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WRAL-TV made a big leap forward in its Coats for Children Campaign during the Telethon on Friday, December 9, 2011, but coats and donations are still being accepted through the end of the month.   As of the end of the telethon, WRAL’s Coats for the Children had raised just under $49,000.

“The Coats for the Children Telethon was a great event as always,” said WRAL-TV Director of Local Production, who produces the telethon each year.  “Like many nonprofits this year, our contributions were down, but we hope to catch back up by the end of the month.  I’m still so humbled at how many viewers generously contribute.  We are making the Triangle brighter, and warmer, one child at a time thanks to your help.”

WRAL-TV’s David Crabtree (left) interviews Major Bruce Smith of the Salvation Army.

99.9 The Fan’s Mike Maniscalco takes pledges alongside Santa, who took a break from toy making to help fundraise.

WRAL-TV’s Bill Leslie offers musical selections from his new Christmas CD during the Telethon.

The daylong event featured half-hour special at 1pm and 7om as well as break-ins during all newscasts.  Volunteers manned the phone bank, including Santa Claus himself.  Wool E. Bull got in on the fun, too.  And WRAL-TV Anchor Bill Leslie provided musical entertainment from his new Christmas album.

You can still donate to WRAL’s Coats for the Children Campaign securely online via WRAL.com through the end of December. 

You can also text “coats” to 85944 to donate $10 to the campaign.  WRAL.com will match all text donations, dollar for dollar, up to a $5,000 total!

Volunteers fill the phone bank in WRAL-TV’s Studio A.

Wool E. Bull helps out.

Thanks for WRAL-TV viewers who generously donated during the telethon and who continue to contribute.