Marion County residents who are interested in donating funds to work directly with the families, individuals and wildlife affected by the Gulf oil spill can be part of a special two-hour Larry King Live telethon "Disaster in the Gulf: How can you help" today from 8 to 10pm Eastern. Funds can be directed to United Way to assist with people, The National Wildlife Federation to assist with the wildlife and The Nature Conservancy for the environment.

"The Gulf oil spill is a disaster both national and nature in scope, and the point of this effort is to get immediate relief to the people and Wildlife who are in urgent need," says longtime CNN Larry King Live Senior Executive Producer Wendy Walker. "The telethon's proceeds go directly to the relief organizations who are working on the frontlines to do just that."

The United Way Gulf Recovery Fund will assist families with emergency assistance and long-term recovery support for the people and communities devastated by this oil spill. Emergency assistance will consists of food, clothing, utility assistance, rent and mortgage relief and access to health and mental health care. Long-term recovery will help people address ongoing educational, financial and health-related challenges.

United Way's Worldwide CEO, Brian Gallagher, said, "The situation in the Gulf has created real and immediate needs from families whose livelihoods have been affected. Calls are coming in now for food, rent and utilities assistance. We are also preparing for the extensive long-term needs that will arise. United Way will remain on the ground after the immediate response, working side-by-side with Gulf Coast residents to build more resilient communities."

Donations can be made at www.unitedway.org/gulfrecovery or cell users can text "UNITED" to "50555" to donate $10 to the United Way Gulf Recovery Fund.