WRAL-TV Viewers Come Through with $125K in 2016 Coats for Children Telethon

“What could be better during the holiday season than raising money for the Salvation Army, so they can help hundreds of local families have a warmer winter and a more joyful Christmas?”
– WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish

On Friday, December 7, 2016, WRAL-TV’s Coats for the Children Telethon took over Studio A. The daylong effort focused on raising funds to buy winter coats, gloves, hats, long underwear and toys for Triangle children in need. As they have proven time and time again, WRAL-TV viewers are incredibly generous, donating $126,178 during the Telethon!

Many viewers have contributed to WRAL-TV’s and the community’s efforts to raise funds to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew. But our loyal followers dug deep and gave again for the Coats for the Children campaign.

WRAL-TV Director of Local Production called it “a very strong day, thanks to our compassionate, generous viewers.”

Parish produced the telethon, also a WRAL tradition. She coordinated the volunteer phone bank which remained open between 6:00am – 7:30pm. And then produced a full-hour special at 1pm and half-hour special at 7:00pm.

Telethon day is magical. It’s heartwarming and this year was even more so…the weather was really cold, so our viewers were reminded what it would be like to go outside without a warm coat. We also made snow out on the WRAL plaza, courtesy of Southern Snowman. This helped emphasize the cold winter months ahead.

Inside Studio A, our telethon set looked and felt like a holiday festival. And the energy among WRAL’s production team and the phone volunteers was ‘off the charts’ positive! When you step into Studio A on Coats Telethon day, you see the best example of teamwork between WRAL, the Salvation Army, community sponsors and volunteers. Magical.

The Coats Telethon is one of my favorite projects. This year, I learned how important the telethon is to other WRAL employees. Friday was a vacation day for FOX 50 Receptionist/Business Assistant Sharon Farrington, but she came to the station to volunteer on the Accounting table because she loves the telethon and helping her community. In early December, WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel hosted a night golf tournament with his buddies and raised over $2,300 for the Salvation Army! WRAL-TV Personalities Ken Smith, Aimee Wilmoth, Laura Leslie, Mikaya Thurmond, Candace Sweat and Mandy Mitchell all volunteered to answer phones before or after their work days. They shared their personal time to help families in need. Heartwarming.

What could be better during the holiday season than raising money for the Salvation Army, so they can help hundreds of local families have a warmer winter and a more joyful Christmas? That’s why the Coats Telethon team loves this project. It’s magical, heartwarming and fun!

WRAL-TV has set a goal of $150,000 for the entire Coats for the Children Campaign, which began in mid-November and runs through December 31^st. Monetary donations are being accepted online at WRAL.com, searching with the keyword ‘Coats’ or text COATS to 41444 to make a debit/credit card gift of any size. (Messaging & data rates may apply.)

Viewers can also drop-off new or gently used coats or new toys at a variety of Jiffy Lube locations in the area. Find a full list of drop-off locations HERE.