Quincy Newspapers NBC affiliate KWWL Waterloo, Iowa, in partnership with the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross, raised over $325,000 in disaster relief for the victims of tornadoes that devastated northeast Iowa on May 25. The storms destroyed hundreds of homes and killed seven people.

Tornadoes of 2008—Neighbors Helping Neighbors was a one-day fundraising effort initiated by KWWL as a way for Eastern Iowans to become directly involved in helping their neighbors in need. The station partnered with the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross because of the agency’s leadership role in providing relief to storm victims.

“Donations are actually still being counted,” said Tom Allen, the station’s Vice president-general manager. “The total was more than $315,000 by the end of our 10 p.m. newscast, all raised in under 18 hours. And it’s not over. Donations made through KWWL.com have not been added to that total, and much more money is still coming in.”

“Pulling this off in less than 24 hours was a challenge, but the incredible response made all of the work worthwhile,” said Jon Okerstrom, KWWL news director. “Storm survivors were coming up to our crews thanking them for what we were doing. And on their behalf, we want to thank the thousands of Eastern Iowans who donated to the cause.”

KWWL said donations poured in to the station, overwhelming phone lines throughout the day. Walk-in donations to the station were also frequent, including a “drive thru” in front of KWWL’s entrance, manned by on-air personalities and KWWL staffers. The drive-thru made it possible to simply pull up and leave a donation, some of which were as high as $1,000. The drive-thru netted close to $12,000. Donations came in not only from around the KWWL coverage area but from locations as far away as Washington, New York, Florida and Texas, plus a special fundraiser held in Parkersburg, W.Va.

“We knew it was the right thing to do,” said Kim Leer, KWWL station manager. “We had no idea that we would receive the amount of support we did. It’s a humbling experience.”

During KWWL’s half-hour telethon special Wednesday evening, Iowa Governor Chet Culver thanked the station for its efforts. “We really appreciate KWWL having this important fundraiser. We appreciate the great work that has been done by the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and so many other groups. Iowans are resilient. We’ll get through this.”

Tornadoes of 2008—Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ began at 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, during Today in Iowa and by the show’s end had already raised $6,900. Twenty-five minutes later, the total was over $12,000. The effort generated $18,000 on average per hour.

Many businesses gave large contributions, the highest being $25,000. Others issued challenges to their competitors. Donations from residents were also substantial, including one individual giving his entire government stimulus check of $1,200. Local schools also got involved, including Hudson Iowa MiddleSchool students who conducted an impromptu donation drive at their Spring Concert, generating $700.

All money donated will remain within the Northeast Iowa counties served by the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross.