Marshall University’s Head Coach Doc Holliday was on hand on Friday, April 29th to participate in an effort by The First State Bank, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia and Diamond Electric Mfg. Corp in a Japanese Disaster Relief Drive held at the bank.

First State Bank Vice President Roy Hamilton said that the event raised about $6,500 in donations to help after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

Students from West Teays Elementary presented TMMWV President Yoji “Yogi” Suzuki with 1,000 hand-made paper origami cranes. Toyota Motor Mfg., WV will send the gifts to Toyota’s headquarters in Japan. In addition to the origami cranes, the students made a large poster with a drawing of the State of West Virginia which said: "West Virginia sends our friends in Japan words of encouragement and prayers for a quick recovery."

It was reported that all proceeds were donated to the Red Cross. Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan is donating $3.75 million to support the relief efforts in Japan. In addition, Toyota operations in North America will match all employee gifts to the Red Cross.