How to Help the Families and Victims of the Uvalde School Shooting
Updated: Nov. 04, 2022
Even if you don't live in Texas, you can still help the Uvalde community during this trying time. Here's how.
The United States is mourning another heartbreaking act of gun violence within its borders after a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, killing 19 children and two teachers.
Although there have been 213 mass shootings (defined as involving four or more people) so far in 2022, according to Gun Violence Archive, this is the deadliest attack on an elementary school since the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012, and it comes not even two weeks after 10 people were shot and killed at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York—an attack authorities say was racially motivated. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, firearm-related injuries were the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens in 2020, more than cancer, drowning, fire, and congenital issues combined—a somber statistic for America’s youth.
People across the country are eager to step up and help the families and victims during this unimaginable time. Below, you’ll find resources that can directly help those impacted by the Uvalde school shooting, as well as resources that help other victims of gun violence, organizations that raise awareness about gun violence, and information on how to contact politicians and give them your opinion on gun violence in America.
Where to donate to help victims and families of the Uvalde school shooting
Donating to these fundraisers and established funds will directly help the victims and families impacted by the Uvalde school shooting.
- GoFundMe: GoFundMe has a page that lists verified fundraisers for those affected by the shooting.
- The Uvalde Strong Fund: The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a nonprofit charitable foundation, has set up a relief fund for victims and their families.
- First State Bank of Uvalde: According to its Facebook page, the First State Bank of Uvalde has set up a donation account for victims’ families. Donations can be mailed by check or paid via Zelle.
How to help the Uvalde community right now
The Uvalde community is also looking for non-monetary resources during this time.
- Donate blood: If you live in Texas, you can donate blood in one of the emergency blood drives set up to help victims. You can also donate through University Health System out of San Antonio.
- Donate legal services: According to its Facebook post, the San Antonio Legal Services Association is looking for attorneys licensed in Texas to volunteer in helping families and victims of the shooting with legal needs.
Where to donate to help victims of gun violence
Donating to these organizations will help other victims of gun violence and their families.
- National Compassion Fund: Donations to the National Compassion Fund go directly to survivors and to victims’ families.
- Trauma Survivors Network: This organization helps victims of various types of traumas, including gun violence, return to normal life.
Where to donate to prevent gun violence
These organizations are dedicated to spreading awareness about gun violence and advocating for gun safety. Donating to them will help further their missions.
- Sandy Hook Promise: A nonprofit founded by several people who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook school shooting, this organization promotes school and gun-safety legislation and educates students and teachers on the warning signs of potential violence.
- Everytown for Gun Safety: This nonprofit advocates for common-sense gun control, organizes public-awareness campaigns, connects survivors with trauma programs, and collects data on gun violence.
- Moms Demand Action: This advocacy organization raises awareness about gun violence and organizes local communities to push for safety measures.
- The Brady Campaign: This advocacy organization lobbies for change in state and federal government, helps victims and survivors in court, and raises awareness of gun-related issues.
- Coalition to Stop Gun Violence: This nonprofit organization advocates for policies that reduce gun injuries and deaths.
How to contact state and federal representatives
Contacting your state and federal representatives makes your opinion on gun violence heard—and lets them know it’s an issue their constituents expect them to address.
- Senate.gov: Search for your state senators’ contact information.
- House.gov: Search for your congressional representative’s contact information.
- Whitehouse.gov: Write an online message to the president.
- USA.gov: Find the contact information for other officials, such as your state’s governor or your city’s mayor.
Sources:
- Gun Violence Archive: “Gun Violence Archive 2022”
- The New England Journal of Medicine: “Current Causes of Death in Children and Adolescents in the United States”
- The Associated Press: “Gunman kills 19 children, 2 teachers in Texas school rampage”
- The Guardian: “Buffalo shooting: gunman allegedly did reconnaissance of area before rampage”
- NPR: “How to help Uvalde families following yesterday’s elementary school shooting”
- KHOU 11: “Here’s how to help those injured in the Uvalde school shooting”
- Austin-American Statesmen: “Blood drives, GoFundMe page set up for victims of Texas school shooting. How you can help.”
- NPR: “Blood drives have been set up across Uvalde for shooting victims”
