MDA TELETHON TO AIR FROM LOCAL WAL-MART

Volunteers are still needed for the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon Monday. The telethon will air Monday on KFVS12 with local segments originating from the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Cape Girardeau.

"Volunteers are needed in all kinds of functions from answering the pledge phones on camera to escorting guests to the proper place at the proper time," said Ken Lucy, MDA's regional coordinator. "Those who wish to help can volunteer all day or any three-hour part of the day."

The telethon begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 6:30 p.m. News anchor Mary-Ann Maloney and sportscaster Randy Ray will be hosts.

This is the first year the telethon is broadcasting from Wal-Mart. A mini-studio will be set up inside the store near the south entrance. Organizers expect more traffic at the supercenter than at previous locations.

In addition to the traditional telephone and in-person pledges, this year for the first time cyberdonors can make electronic contributions using AT&T SecureBuy Service over the Internet. The web address is www.mdausa.org

To encourage web donations, AT&T will give 100 free minutes to anyone who donates $25 or more using the web site.

MDA provides services through some 230 clinics nationwide, including the MDA clinic at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. For information call 335-4400.