In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, members of the state's Korean-American community have reached into their pockets by the thousands to help victims and their families.

On Wednesday, representatives from some of the community organizations charged with collecting their donations arrived in Blacksburg to present about $125,000 to Tech.

Jeff Ahn, president of the League of Korean Americans in Virginia, said members of Korean-American civic and church organizations were out collecting donations, often in $5, $10 and $20 sums, for weeks.

"The victims and families obviously needed some help and assistance," Ahn said of the intentions behind the effort. "We cannot in any way, shape or form lessen their pain, but if we can at least financially contribute something to relieve the grieving process, let's do so."

Ahn said the league was joined by the Korean-American Association of the greater Washington area, the Korean-American Association of Northern Virginia and several Korean-American church and media groups.

Terri Mitchell, assistant vice president and controller for the Virginia Tech Foundation, said the gifts, received Wednesday by Tech Vice President for Development and University Relations Elizabeth Flanagan, will likely be deposited into the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund.

-- Angela Manese-Lee