PARKERSBURG -- The people of Parkersburg, W. Va., knew little if anything about the community of Parkersburg, Iowa, until news footage of the devastation left behind when an EF5 tornado roared through the town brought the tragedy into their homes.

Then, they knew just one thing about the town that shared their name -- the people there could use all the help those in West Virginia could spare. When local NBC affiliate station WTAP teamed up with the Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, the community responded in a big way, raising more than $10,600 in less than 48 hours.

"I am not surprised by their generosity, but the amount blew me away," said Roger Sheppard, the station's general manager and telethon coordinator.

Sharon Kesserling, financial development director for the Mid-Ohio Valley area Red Cross, received a call from Sheppard about 10 a.m. Tuesday, and by the noon newscast volunteers were manning phone banks ready to accept donations. Though Parkersburg, W. Va., has about 33,000 residents, the Red Cross and television station reach a much larger area.

"People were just astounded by the way the town looked, and they were affected by the loss of life. When you think that one-third to half the town was affected, they got to thinking about how that would have affected them," said Kesserling. "Some even said they were getting calls from family and friends because they heard there was a tornado in Parkersburg, but didn't hear that it was in Iowa."

The money raised went straight to the American Red Cross relief fund, which was already sending money to Iowa. Alan McKean, director of the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross, knew very little about the work being done halfway across the country.

"I just think the symbiosis is great. I like the human interaction, the caring that went into that and the thought and the sister city approach," he said. "We will make sure the money is used well."

Kesserling said she is shocked media outlets are finding out about their telethon, but added that the news coverage did result in an e-mail and phone call from a very appreciative Parkersburg resident.

"The e-mail expressed how great the need was, but how wonderful it was that total strangers stepped up to help people just because they reside in towns with the same name," Kesserling said.

Contact Emily Christensen

at (319) 291-1570 or

emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.