In the wake of Sunday’s mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, which left 50 people dead and 53 people injured, people across the country have come to the aid of those affected.
Here are some ways to offer help:
Blood donations
OneBlood, a non-profit blood bank, announced an urgent need of blood donations in Orlando, prompting thousands of people to line up to make contributions at various locations. People eventually had to be turned away after supplies ran out and facilities reached capacity.
OneBlood tweeted Monday morning that it was open again for donations by appointment. Potential blood donors should schedule an appointment online or call (888) 936-6283. You can check your eligibility to donate on OneBlood's website. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also offers recommendations on who shouldn't donate blood.
Those who are interested in donating for OneBlood can check their eligibility on the blood bank’s website.
Money donations
LGBT and humanitarian advocacy groups have begun campaigns to help with funds for the shooting victims and their families.
Planting Peace, an international nonprofit organization that focuses on humanitarian and environmental projects, has started a CrowdRise campaign called “We Stand with Pulse.” The organization states on the campaign’s website that “monies are for funeral and medical costs for the victims of this senseless act.”
Planting Peace’s “We Stand with Pulse” had raised over $37,000 by Monday afternoon.
The Center, an Orlando-based LGBT advocacy group, has started a GoFundMe page, with proceeds to benefit the victims of the shooting and their families.
“Together we stay #OrlandoStrong,” reads on update on the GoFundMe page.
The Center’s campaign had raised over $235,000 by Monday afternoon.
Equality Florida, the state’s primary LGBT advocacy group, also started a GoFundMe page that had received over $12 million in donations.
According to the group’s GoFundMe page, Equality Florida is working with local organizations and “a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime” to properly distribute the campaign’s funds, which will go to the families and victims affected by the shooting.
Equality Florida has used the hashtags “#WeAreOrlando” and “#OneOrlando” on its GoFundMe, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Those who intend to make donations to any charity group should be cautious when doing so to avoid fraud and other forms of theft.
Crisis hotline
Along with its GoFundMe page, The Center has also established a crisis hotline and is providing grief counselors. The hotline can be reached at (407) 227-1446.
Vigils
Vigils mourning the dead were held throughout the United States and other countries on Sunday. Expect more vigils to take place in communities across the USA.
