TX Radio: Alpha Media Drive Helps Tornado Victims

Alpha Media East Texas have announced the completion of its emergency drive to assist victims of the E3 tornado in Van, Texas. Early morning May 11, the community of Van, Texas, was devastated by an E3 tornado that ripped through the heart of the town. 30% of the town’s structures were damaged or destroyed. 2 citizens lost their lives, dozens were injured, some critically, and the area was in serious need of emergency assistance.

Alpha Media radio stations; KOYE, KKUS, KYKX, and KOOI in partnership with local TV station CBS19, organized an impromptu drive, urging East Texas residents to donate nonperishable items, cash, and clothing to help in Van’s time of need. Each station broadcast from locations that also served as dropoff points for donations. The studios were also designated as dropoff locations. In less than 24 hours, the stations raised about $5000 in funds, and filled a box truck and 5 other vehicles with approximately $10,000 worth of food, water, clothing, and personal hygiene items, enough to nearly fill a storage building.

The items were delivered by staff members on Tuesday, May 12th, directly to the relief agencies at the storm’s ground zero.

Alpha Media Executive VP of Programming, Scott Mahalick commented on the announcement, “It’s because of our great live and local team, that we are able to pull off such extraordinary efforts. I’m proud not only of our East Texas teammates but of the Tyler and Longview communities for opening their arms and generously embracing their own in need.”

Alpha Media East Texas Market Manager Ginger Dockery added, “Like no other media, local radio provides a unique way to immediately address the needs of a community. We are so very fortunate to be able to harness the power of local radio, combined with a dynamic crew, to execute an emergency drive like this smoothly and successfully.”

Dru Laborde, Alpha Media East Texas Operations Manager, commented on listener response, “It never ceases to amaze me what East Texans will do for each other when emergencies arise. They give until it hurts, and then give some more. I am proud to be a part of a community that pulls together for its neighbors, and even prouder of my co-workers who rose to the challenge and made this effort so successful.”