Telethon Raises $350,000 For Gas Explosion Victims

BOSTON, MA -- WCVB Channel 5 said it raised more than $350,000 for the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund in an all-day, on-air telethon it held Tuesday. Proceeds from the telethon are going to families in Andover, Lawrence and North Andover that were impacted by the Sept. 13 gas explosions. The gas explosions killed one and left thousands without gas service.

"We all extend our deepest gratitude to our very generous viewers and community partners for joining this effort to raise funds for those in the Merrimack Valley who remain in dire need of help, especially during the holiday season," Bill Fine, WCVB President and General Manager, said in a statement.

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Photo by WCVB Channel 5.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).