Kent State University student raises $70,000 for tsunami victims using social media

KENT, Ohio - Alexandria Rhodes, a Kent State University English major, has raised close to $70,000 for Japanese tsunami victims.

Rhodes monitored Twitter for updates when the tsunami hit Japan last year. Seeing how the social media site helped families find their loved ones, Rhodes felt touched to do something.

"To see the power of social media in action during such a tragic time was so powerful. I wanted to see how I could help victims myself."

Rhodes and a friend used Facebook, Twitter and blogs to contact authors and celebrities for help. The authors were asked to contribute a story to the cause. 

People would be able to read all of the stories with a donation of at least $10 for tsunami victims. Donations can be made through the Red Cross. You can follow this link on how to donate: http://on.wews.com/PwliiN.

After you donate, you email your receipt to Rhodes to get the story.

Among the 218 authors to send in stories was E.L. James, the author of the sexy best selling book "Fifty Shades of Grey." James used the pen name of SnowQueen Icedragaon.

Meanwhile, the author told Katie Couric that there are seven people she has in mind to play characters Anna Steele and Christian Grey on the big screen, but she won't reveal who the actors might be.