2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon in Tampa Bay

TAMPA - Dan Shaffer, Deiah Riley, Stephanie Roberts, Lissette Campos, Denis Philips, Jamison Uhler, Linda Hurtado, and Brendan McLaughlin came together along with a host of volunteers to raise money for Jerry's Kids during the 2010 MDA Labor Day Telethon.

ABC Action News has long been a proud sponsor of this event which, raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Over 200 volunteers are also on hand, manning the ABC Action News studios today.

15-year-old student Alex Kerekes had the day off from school and chose to spend it here

"I'm just here to help out and you know, just give back to the community," he said.

Karen Oliver has been involved with MDA for the past 15 years. Her son Ben, at age 14 ,was diagnosed with a muscular disease that put him in a wheelchair.

"They provided him with some of the equipment that he's got, and I feel like we've made friends with the people at MD." she explained.

Sam Weil has a brother with a muscular disease.

"I moved down to Tampa to change lives, I'm gonna help out for the rest of my life."

Out of view of the cameras, these folks are keeping track of donations. They say even in this tough economic time, the donations started coming in early and often.

"The checks are coming in a lot earlier this year, so we're excited to get all these pledges and donations first thing this morning, so that's great." said Katie Gordon of MDA.

Remember, all of the money donated will stay in the Tampa Bay area.

If you would like to donate, call 1-800-FIGHT MD, or 1-800-344-4863. You can text your donation to 20222. You can also donate to the national effort at www.mda.org