As the details of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut continue to unfold, local mental health professionals and aid organizations are stepping forward to help those affected by the tragedy.
Police report that 20 students and 6 adults were killed Friday morning during ashooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, according to the Associated Press. Officials identified the gunman as Adam Lanza, 20, who died at the scene, CNN reports.
As the shocked community begins to mourn, a number of organizations are prepared to help with counseling services and bereavement therapy and funds have been set up to support the victims’ families.
Find out how the area’s nonprofits are getting involved in the relief effort and how you can help:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
United Way, a global nonprofit that works to improve families and individuals’ education, income stability and health, has set up the Sandy Hook School Support Fund through its Western Connecticut chapter. The fund will provide support services to the families that have been affected by the mass shooting. Donations can be mailed to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470 or submitted online here.
Danbury hospital has partnered with other local counseling and mental health agencies within the community and is providing crisis intervention services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Find out how you can contribute here.
Friends of the Engel Family Fund
Olivia Engel, 6, was shot and killed during the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. To help the family of the little girl who longtime family friend, Dan Merton, said “had perfect manners” and was the “teacher’s pet, the line leader,” supporters have set up the Friends of the Engel Family Fund. Find out how you can donate here.
Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund
A former Sandy Hook student has set up the Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund in conjunction with Crowdrise, to raise funds for the victims, families and others affected by the tragic shooting. Donations will be directed to the Sandy Hook PTSA, according to the fundraising site. Find out how you can get involved here.
The Newtown Memorial Fund aims to help victims’ families pay for funeral costs, set up a community-wide memorial and a college scholarship fund for the students of the Newtown Public Schools. Find out how you can get involved here.
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article courtesy of TheHuffingtonPost.com
