Just under a week ago, yet another horrific mass shooting took place in the US. At Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire, killing at least 19 children and two adults, along with wounding many others.
It may be difficult to know how to help at a time of such deep mourning—here are some practical ways you can make a difference.
Donate to fundraisers for the victims and their families
Supporting the cause financially is many people’s first reaction, however, be careful to make sure that your donations go to a verified fundraiser. The crowdfunding site GoFundMe has a list of them here.
This fundraiser, organized by VictimsFirst, is raising money for the victims and their families. All of the donations will be sent directly to the victim base through cash payments. Another way to get your donation to the victims’ families is to give to the fundraiser created by the Los Verdes Supporter Group.
Donate to a funeral fund
Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home and Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary Uvalde, two local funeral homes, have announced that they will not be charging family members for the funeral services of the victims.
There are funeral funds that you can contribute for fourth-grade teacher Irma Garcia, 10-year-old Xavier Lopez, and another student victim, Jayce Luevanos.
Contact your senators
If you live in the US, call your senators and urge them to pass HR8, the legislation that would stiffen the background check policy on gun sales, and to oppose permitless carry in the states that allow it.
If you need some help figuring out what to say, podcaster Jamie Golden has a sample script for you to draw from.
To do more, donate to non-profits that advocate for gun control such as Everytown for Gun Safety and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.
Donate blood
If you live nearby, consider donating blood to the emergency blood drives that have been erected to support the shooting victims. To donate at the University Health System in San Antonio, you can schedule a donor appointment online.
You can also schedule donor appointments at South Texas Blood and Tissue.
Volunteer your legal services
If you are an attorney in the state of Texas and can offer your pro bono legal assistance to the victims and their families, then email your availability and area of practice to uvalderesponse@sa-lsa.org.
