The many ways Texans can lend a hand to Uvalde shooting victims, families
The Uvalde community is mourning 19 students and two teachers who were killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School Tuesday.
Victims are in the hospital, families are trying to identify their loved ones, and legal, funeral and medical expenses are causing another heavy burden on them.
Here are some ways you can support your fellow Texans as they grieve the tragic losses.
Financial Support for Grieving Families
An account has been opened at the First State Bank of Uvalde to assist Robb Elementary families. If you’d like to donate, write a check to the “Robb School Memorial Fund.” You can donate at any First State Bank. You can also mail it to 200 E Nopal St. Send Zelle donations to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.
The Uvalde Police Department is accepting donations for the medical expenses of those affected. If you’d like to donate, send a check to the City of Uvalde, P.O. Box 799.
Five verified GoFundMe fundraisers have also been set up to help the Uvalde shooting victims and their families. Donations help with funeral costs of the victims and assisting the families.
Los Verdes Supporter Group in Austin is raising funds for Uvalde families affected by the shooting. So far, $64,592 has been raised of the $100,000 goal.
VictimsFirst, a network of families of victims and survivors of previous mass shootings, have started a fund for the victims’ families. So far, $1,411,090 has been raised of the $2,000,000 goal.
One fundraiser is for funeral expenses of 10-year-old Jayce Carmelo Luevanos. Supporters have donated $33,276, exceeding the $18,000 goal.
Another fundraiser for 4th grade teacher Irma Garcia helps with funeral expenses and family needs. Supporters donated $62,984, more than double the $30,000 goal.
A GoFundMe was organized to help with funeral expenses of 10-year-old Xavier Lopez. Almost $100,000 have been raised, exceeding the $17,000 goal.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/c/act/donate-to-texas-elementary-school-shooting-relief.
“The GoFundMe community is coming together to support all those affected,” the webpage reads. “Our Trust & Safety team will continue to update this hub with more fundraisers as they are verified. Donate to verified Texas elementary school shooting fundraisers below to offer your help.”
The Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country, a Kerrville nonprofit that serves Uvalde County, has started the “Uvalde Strong Fund” to support victims, their families, and others affected. The nonprofit says the fund will help:
- Aid families affected by this tragedy
- Nonprofits providing essential response services
- Medical institutions caring for victims
- Organizations conducting long-term efforts for the Uvalde community
You can donate here. For more details on donating, call 830-896-8811 or email uvaldestrong@communityfoundation.net.
The League of United Latin American Citizens is raising money for victims and survivors of the shooting. To donate, visit lulac.org/uvaldefund/.
“Where 90 percent of the students of Robb Elementary School identify as Hispanics and more than four-fifths are economically disadvantaged, this community NEEDS our collective prayers, help, and support,” the organization wrote. “As a 501c3, 100% of the contributions are charitable and will go directly to the families of victims and survivors. At times of unimaginable pain, LULAC has been present to financially support communities through past tragedies like this and natural disasters.”
Starting Wednesday, H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop and Mi Tienda customers can support the victims by donating $1, $3, $5, $50 or $100 at checkout. Additional donations to support the fund can be made at heb.com/donate. All funds will benefit the victims and families of Robb Elementary School, H-E-B said in a news release.
Donate blood to help victims
South Texas Blood & Tissue, the primary blood bank serving Uvalde, is hosting emergency blood drives at Uvalde’s Herby Ham Activity Center. To schedule an appointment, call 210-731-5590 or visit donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/136932. The bank said all appointments in donor rooms had been booked through Saturday, but encouraged Texans to sign up for slots over Memorial Day Weekend and through next week.
University Health in San Antonio is also encouraging Texans to donate blood to help the shooting victims. Visit universityhealthsystem.com or call 210-358-2812 to schedule an appointment. University Health set up a fund to cover victims’ medical expenses and other needs identified by social workers. Donate here.
You can also sign up to donate blood at these blood drives and locations around Uvalde.
Volunteer legal and mental health services
If you are involved in the legal field, volunteer your legal services. The San Antonio Legal Services Association says volunteer attorneys are needed through June to help victims and their families.
“Volunteer NOW to assist Uvalde Shooting Victims and Families with Unmet Legal Needs,” the association wrote in a Facebook post. “SALSA will respond with pro bono assistance as called upon to do so by community partners and civil leaders over the coming weeks.”
To provide legal services, contact uvalderesponse@sa-lsa.org.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, who represents Uvalde, is calling for mental health experts to support those impacted by the tragedy. If you’re able to help, contact his office at 210-806-9920.
This story was originally published May 25, 2022 at 4:20 PM.
