The American Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains is gearing up for its annual telethon from 4-9 p.m. Sunday.

The telethon will be broadcast live on Blue Ridge Cable Channel 13 from East Stroudsburg University with state Sen. Mario Scavello and other local legislators and area supporters. Money raised will help families in the Poconos who experience a disaster.In 2015, the Pocono Mountains Red Cross responded to 81 local emergencies, assisting 295 people who suffered a disaster.The Red Cross depends on local donations in order to respond to community disasters, provide shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.The nonprofit organization provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world. According to the Red Cross, 14,000 units of blood must be collected everyday to fulfill the country's needs.Local volunteers will be on-hand to take pledges via phone from during the telethon at 570-422-3016. Auction items will also be up for bid every hour.For more information about supporting the Red Cross visit the website redcross.org.