A woman cries as she leaves the Uvalde Civic Center in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday after an 18-year-old gunman opened fire on a Texas elementary school, killing at least 18 children and three adults.
(William Luther | The San Antonio Express-News via AP)
The community of Uvalde mourns 19 students and two teachers who were killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School on Tuesday.
Victims are in hospital, families are trying to identify loved ones, and legal, funeral and medical costs are placing another heavy burden on them.
Here are some ways to support your fellow Texans as they mourn these tragic losses.
Financial support for bereaved families
An account has been opened at First State Bank of Uvalde to help families at Robb Elementary. If you would like to make a donation, write a check to the “Robb School Memorial Fund”. You can donate at any First State Bank. You can also mail it to 200 E Nopal St. Send Zelle’s donations to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.
The Uvalde Police Department is accepting donations for medical expenses from those affected. If you wish to make a donation, send a check to the town of Uvalde, PO Box 799.
Five verified GoFundMe fundraisers have also been set up to help the victims of the Uvalde shooting and their families. Donations help cover funeral costs for victims and support families.
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The Los Verdes Support Group in Austin is raising money for Uvalde families affected by the shooting. Until now, $64,592 was raised towards the $100,000 goal.
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VictimsFirst, a network of families of victims and survivors of previous mass shootings, has created a fund for the families of victims. Until now, $1,411,090 was lifted from the $2,000,000 goal.
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A fundraiser is intended for the funeral expenses of Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, 10 years old. Supporters donated $33,276, exceeding the goal of $18,000.
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Another fundraiser for 4th grade teacher Irma Garcia is helping with funeral costs and family needs. Supporters donated $62,984, more than double the target of $30,000.
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A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral expenses for 10-year-old Xavier Lopez. Nearly $100,000 was raised, exceeding the goal of $17,000.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/c/act/donate-to-texas-elementary-school-shooting-relief.
“The GoFundMe community is coming together to support everyone affected,” the webpage reads. “Our Trust & Safety team will continue to update this hub with more fundraisers as they are verified. Donate to the verified Texas elementary school shooting fundraisers below to offer your help.
The Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country, a Kerrville-based nonprofit serving Uvalde County, launched the “Uvalde Strong Fund” to support victims, their families, and others affected. The nonprofit organization says the fund will help:
- Help families affected by this tragedy
- Not-for-profit organizations providing essential response services
- Medical institutions caring for victims
- Organizations leading long-term efforts for the community of Uvalde
You can donate here. For donation details, call 830-896-8811 or email uvaldestrong@communityfoundation.net.
The League of United Latin American Citizens raises funds for the victims and survivors of the shooting. To donate, visit lulac.org/uvaldefund/.
“Where 90 percent of students at Robb Elementary School identify as Hispanic and more than four-fifths are economically disadvantaged, this community NEEDS our collective prayers, help, and support,” the organization wrote. “As a 501c3, 100% of contributions are charitable and will go directly to the families of victims and survivors. At times of unimaginable pain, LULAC has been there to financially support communities through past tragedies like this and natural disasters.
Starting Wednesday, HEB, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop and Mi Tienda customers can support victims by donating $1, $3, $5, $50 or $100 at checkout. Additional donations to support the fund can be made at heb.com/donate. All funds will benefit the victims and families of Robb Elementary School, HEB said in a press release.
Donate blood to help victims
South Texas Blood and Tissue, the main blood bank serving Uvalde, is holding emergency blood drives at the Herby Ham Activity Center in Uvalde. To make an appointment, call 210-731-5590 or visit donation.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/136932. The bank said all donor room appointments have been booked through Saturday, but encouraged Texans to register for slots over Memorial Day weekend and into next week. .
University health in San Antonio also encourages Texans to donate blood to help shooting victims. Visit universityhealthsystem.com or call 210-358-2812 to schedule an appointment. University Health established a fund to cover victims’ medical expenses and other needs identified by social workers. Donate here.
You can also register to donate blood at these blood drives and places around Uvalde.
Pro bono legal and mental health services
If you are involved in the legal field, offer your legal services. The San Antonio Legal Services Association says volunteer attorneys are needed through June to help victims and their families.
“Volunteer NOW to help Uvalde shooting victims and families with unmet legal needs,” the charity wrote in a Facebook post. “SALSA will respond with pro bono assistance as requested by community partners and civil leaders over the coming weeks.”
To provide legal services, contact uvalderesponse@sa-lsa.org.
Representative Tony Gonzales, who represents Uvalde, calls for mental health experts support those affected by the tragedy. If you are able to help, contact his office at 210-806-9920.
This story was originally published May 25, 2022 4:20 p.m.