Jerry's Telethon Has Two Causes

Jerry Lewis is doing his part to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. This year, his annual Labor Day telethon, which helps kids with muscular dystrophy, will also help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The comedian will donate half the money he makes through the telethon to the Salvation Army in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The first and last four hours of the telethon are specifically directed to getting people to donate to hurricane relief with a special phone number and celebrity appearances. During a taped segment at the beginning of the show, Lewis said, "I know my kids will understand if I hold up the beginning of their show because there are hundreds of thousands of people who know now what suffering is. ... They are running out of time. And we, as generous and loving Americans, must help them."

The telethon began Sunday at 9PM EDT and continues until 5:30PM today. This is the 40th year that the telethon has been airing across the country.