Thoughts and prayers only go so far. There are ways you can directly aid those affected by Sunday's horrific shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Below, you'll find a number of verified fundraisers that aim to ease the overwhelming financial burdens faced by the victims and their families. Additionally, if you're in the South Texas area and have an O-positive or O-negative blood type, consider giving blood today. You'll find more info at the bottom of this post.
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If there are other fundraisers or ways to help that we missed, please send us a message at [email protected].
The First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
The church has a donation page set up to raise funds for the families and victims. You can donate directly through their website here.
Donate to the Holcombe Family
The Holcombe family lost eight members across three generations in the attack. Bryan Holcombe -- the associate pastor who was leading the church that morning -- was killed along with his wife Karla and their son Marc Daniel, who lost his one-year-old daughter, Noah Holcombe. Bryan and Karla's son John was injured in the shooting, but his pregnant wife Crystal died. Three of Crystal's five children, Emily, Megan and Greg did not survive. Tara McNulty, a friend of the family considered to be family, was also killed.
A verified GoFundMe account has been established to support the Holcombe family. The page says funds will be used to cover medical and funeral costs, lost wages and travel for remaining family members to the service.
Hardest Hit Family Relief Fund
This fund is raising money to distribute to all of the families affected by the attack. The organizers of this GoFundMe account say they're working with the Sutherland Springs Chamber of Commerce and Texas state officials to fairly distribute the money they raised. Donate to this fund here.
Donate to the Ward Family
Joann Ward and her two daughters were killed in the attack. Her youngest son was shot numerous times and is being treated in the hospital. Joann is survived by her husband John and two children who survived the church attack. Funds raised will help cover their funeral, medical and various other costs. Donate to this GoFundMe account.
Make a Donation at H-E-B
The Texas grocery chain's Helping Here Campaign is accepting $1, $3, $5, $50 and $100 donations at check out lines. All H-E-B locations in Texas are accepting donations, which will go entirely to the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church. Today, H-E-B announced they are donating $150,000 to help affected families.
Donate Blood
Multiple blood drives are happening across South Texas today. South Texas Blood & Tissue Center locations in San Antonio and New Braunfels are accepting blood donations, and report a need for donations of O-positive and O-negative blood types. Call (210) 731-5590 for more information.
