NewsChannel 9 Sponsoring Oklahoma Fund Drive
UPDATED: 5:47 PM EDT
The tragedy in Oklahoma is something the Tennessee Valley is all too familiar with. When tornados struck our homes, people from all over the country helped. Now, its our turn.

NewsChannel 9 in partnership with the American Red Cross, Hamilton Place Mall and Sunny 92.3 FM is hosting Hope In Oklahoma, a donation drive benefiting the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. And we want to give all of our viewers and listeners a chance to join in the effort.

On Thursday, May 30th from 5am to 7pm, NewsChannel 9 and Sunny 92.3 FM will be broadcasting from the Hamilton Place Mall parking lot, encouraging viewers and listeners to stop by and donate money. A drive thru lane will be set up (across from Golfsmith, next to Abuelas), so people can donate quickly and conveniently without even getting out of their car.

The Chattanooga chapter of the American Red Cross will be on hand to accept the donations. News Channel 9 anchors, along with personalities from Sunny 92.3 FM, Hits 96 FM and WUUQ Classic Country will be there to greet drivers and thank them for their support. Also, during each newscast, NewsChannel 9 will feature special stories of hope and courage from tornado stricken Oklahoma.

Those who cant make it by the mall that day can still be a part. They can donate online at Newschannel9.com/hope; by phone at 1-877-GIVE-ARC (1-877-448-3272); or by texting Red Cross to 90999 (a $10 donation.)

WTVC NewsChannel 9, an ABC affiliate, is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, INC. Hope In Oklahoma is a part of Sinclairs corporate-wide effort to raise funds for tornado victims across all of its 112 television stations, culminating on May 30th. Additional information can be found at www.sbgi.net.

Hamilton Place Mall is owned and operated by CBL & Associates Properties, INC, one of the largest and most active owners and developers of malls and shopping centers in the United States. Additional information can be found at www.cblproperties.com. 

WDEF Sunny 92.3 FM, WDOD-FM and WUUQ-FM are owned by Bahakel Communications, Ltd

Special thanks to Chattanooga Tent and Awning for providing tent accommodations for this event.

Photo: Lea Bessinger salvages a picture of Jesus as she and her son Josh Bessinger sort through the rubble of the elder Bessinger's tornado-ravaged home Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in Moore, Okla. (Associated Press)