In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy that occurred yesterday in Uvalde, Texas, in which at least 21 people, including children, were killed, in a mass shooting, organizers have put forth a number of resources for concerned citizens to help.
GoFundMe
Family funding: The family of Xavier López has asked for help in covering the funeral expenses of the child.
Los Verdes Supporter Group: Los Verdes is an independent group of supporters for the Austin FC soccer team. The organization has recently set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of the Uvalde families.
Victims First Fundraiser: The organization comprised of a network of past surviving families of school shootings, have set up a page to ensure that 100% of donations go directly to the victims.
Blood Donation Centers
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center: The organization is setting up an emergency blood drive at the Herby Ham Activity Center today, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can make an appointment here. Walk-ins also welcome. 248 FM Rd 3447, Uvalde TX 78801.
Our hearts are with the Uvalde community. ❤️ We are hosting an emergency blood drive tomorrow at Herby Ham Activity Center from 9 am to 2 pm. Walk-ins are welcome or you can schedule your appointment here: https://t.co/6KKgHW79zo
— South Texas Blood & Tissue (@connectforlife) May 24, 2022
University Health: The university health system in San Antonio is also calling on citizens to make donations at its facility. Donors can schedule an appointment online or by calling 210-358-2812.
If you are looking for ways to help, please consider donating blood. Your donation can help ensure we have supplies immediately available for the victims of this tragic shooting.
Our donor room has availability the rest of the week. Please schedule online: https://t.co/0F2lKDqYzO— University Health (@UnivHealthSA) May 24, 2022
It’s worth stating that concerned Texans were quick to respond to the calls for donations.
“All of the beds here are filled,” said KSAT 12 reporter, Patty Santos, on site yesterday at the local Uvalde blood bank. “There is a line at the door … people just wanting to do something to be able to help this community.”
Following, the reporter posted on Twitter that evening, stating that all of the beds were filled with donors: “[T]he line is out the door of people who came straight from work,” Santos wrote. “‘They’re still in their work uniforms, but they wanted to help.'”
NOW: All of the beds are filled with donors giving blood after the #Uvalde elementary school shooting, and the line is out the door of people who came straight after work
“They’re still in their work uniforms, but they just wanted to help” pic.twitter.com/e5wwEYPkKA
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 24, 2022
Consult this list of AABB-accredited blood donation centers in Houston to find one near you.