Photo: Getty Images
(updated 5/27/22)
If you have children, this hits differently. If you're a teacher, this hits differently. If you're a human, this hits differently. 19 kids and 2 teachers killed. I don't even know what to say without tearing up immediately. Here are some ways you can help:
- You can bid on auction items with proceeds going to help the Uvalde community at uvaldestrong.net
- H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop and Mi Tienda customers can make monetary donations in-store at the register for $1, $3, $5, $50 or $100 or at checkout in Curbside and Home Delivery orders. People also can give directly via the Favor Delivery app after checkout.
- GoFundMe has a hub for the Uvalde school shooting. Currently, it lists three fundraisers: one to help with the burial costs of one of the children shot dead, and the other two to raise funds to go directly to the victims’ families.
- The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center provided blood after the shooting. According to the STBTC, many San Antonio residents waited for hours in line to donate blood Tuesday evening. All of their appointments are booked through Saturday. However, if you still want to make a donation, the STBTC has opened more appointments for its Memorial Day Drive. You can schedule one here.
- University Health in San Antonio, Texas, which treated some of the victims, is also asking for blood donations.
- The University Health Foundation also set up an Uvalde Victims Relief Fund. These funds will cover any unpaid medical expenses and other needs identified by social workers. "Any unspent funds will be donated to Uvalde charities involved in the ongoing relief efforts," according to the University Health Foundation. You can donate HERE.
- As a way to help those who have been directly affected by the mass shooting in Uvalde, VictimFirst has created a GoFundMe to help those victims and their families. You can donate to the GoFundMe here. $300,000 has been donated so far. VictimFirst is a nonprofit that was created by victims who have gone through similar experiences. They say 100% of the money donated goes back to the victims in cash payments.
- Ken Paxton's office is offering services from the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund Program which is aimed at helping victims and their immediate families with financial costs, counseling, funeral costs, medical treatment and loss of income due to the crimes. The office has also listed the following resources:
- An official account has been opened at First State Bank of Uvalde for the families of Robb Elementary. If you would like to donate, you can do so at any First State Bank branch.
- Anyone interested must make all checks payable to the "Robb School Memorial Fund." You can mail checks to 200 E Nopal St. Uvalde, TX 78801. You can also send Zelle donations to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.
- Finally, numerous people on Twitter and elsewhere are pointing out that if you want to help prevent another Uvalde, you should exercise your right to vote in the next election.
(FC)