Back row: Joe LePage, Laura Kirtley, Laura Nichols, Sue Scott. Front row: James Nichols and Georgana Nichols.

Thanks to everyone who donated during this year’s MDA telethon. Volunteers answered phones during the Labor Day weekend to help raise more than $296,000. While this isn’t as much money as last year, organizers were pleased with the amount, considering the economy.  Some of the top groups collecting money were the Lafayette Fire Department ($32,000) and the Tippecanoe County Lock-up ($38,000).

Money raised during the telethon helps families in the Lafayette area. The MDA helps families with clinic visits, leg braces, wheelchair repairs and other services.

I enjoy helping out at the telethon, for many reasons.  Labor Day weekend is like a family reunion for the WLFI emcees, families, and volunteers.  The children make it all worth our time and effort. As I was saying goodbye to James Nichols, our Goodwill Ambassador, he asked if he could have a hug. I thought I was going to cry! I gave him a big squeeze and asked him to give me a full report on MDA camp next year.