How to Help People Affected by the Uvalde, Texas, School Shooting

05/27/2022 -

Following May 24’s deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, the community is in need of financial aid for victims’ families and other support for school families, staff, and the wider community.

As we know firsthand in Sonoma County, oftentimes areas that have experienced a tragedy can be overwhelmed by well-meaning individuals sending material goods, which is why most relief organizations urge people to send money that can be used to purchase exactly what is needed.

Here are some ways you can help those affected by this shooting, and victims of gun violence in general.

Donate money: There are several vetted options available to assist the families whose lives have been upended by the Uvalde school shooting. Donation options include:

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District has established the Robb Memorial Fund at First State Bank of Uvalde. Checks can be made payable to the Robb School Memorial Fund” and mailed to 200 E. Nopal St., Uvalde, TX 78801. Zelle donations can be made via robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.

VictimsFirst, a network of survivors and family members of people who have died in mass shootings, is collecting donations for those affected by the Uvalde shooting.

GoFundMe has put together a page of verified fundraisers for people affected by the Robb Elementary shooting.

Donate blood: Although there is no guarantee where blood donated in California will be used, there is currently a national shortage of blood, which can be used to help victims of gun violence and others in need. Vitalant, which is active throughout California and has a donation center in northwest Santa Rosa, is focused exclusively on providing lifesaving blood services. Click here to learn more. You can also visit the Red Cross blood donation hub at redcrossblood.org.