Community Comes Together to Help Victims of Sandy Hook Shooting Tragedy

Community Comes Together to Help Victims of Sandy Hook Shooting Tragedy ~ By Wendy Mitchell

Prayer vigils were held across the country tonight to pray for the families who lost their precious children Friday, December, 14, 2012, at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, as well as Newtown Methodist were overflowing with mourners who came to pray for the victims. The flag was lowered to half-staff and at the nearby Edmond Town Hall people came to came to light a candle of remembrance for the innocent victims of this horrible tragedy.

On a personal note, my heart is broken for the families who lost their children and for my sister-in-law who works at the school and was, thankfully, home sick today and is okay. It is unfathomable to think of what the brave teachers, families of students, co-workers and friends of the victims are going through as they try to find ways to cope with this senseless tragedy. My step-brother’s 9-year-old son was at the school and heard the gunshots and is home safe, thankfully but will no doubt need counseling. My thoughts turned to my theater students who attend Sandy Hook Elementary and are also okay. This tragedy hit my hometown hard, a town I grew up in, at my former school. I have gotten numerous calls, emails, texts and Facebook messages from family and friends who want to help.

After putting out a call for information on Bethel Buzz’s Facebook page, we have collected information about ways you can help.

HOW TO HELP:

The United Way of Western Connecticut has partnered with Newtown Savings Bank to create the “Sandy Hook Relief Fund.” The fund will provide support services to those families who have been affected. Funds can be mailed to The Sandy Hook Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT. 06470.  Click here to donate online.

Click here to donate to another online fundraiser. This is a fund started by a former Sandy Hook Elementary student to gather support for the victims, families, and all others affected locally.The funds will go to the school’s PTSA organization for counseling for the survivors (children and families), funeral expenses for affected families and for a scholarship fund supporting students at Sandy Hook Elementary.

A Star for Ben: This online fund was set up for a friend of a friend’s son, to collect funds for 5-year-old Ben who passed away today. Here is Amy’s story. Click here to donate.

Ultimate Limousine in Danbury has drivers who are donating their time and services for any transportation needed for family members for funeral arrangements of other memorial services. 203-790-LIMO.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who lost their children and to the families of the teachers who died and we continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic and difficult time.