the community of Uvalde, Texasis mourning after 19 children and two teachers were shot dead at an elementary school Tuesdayauthorities said.
Armed with a rifle, an 18-year-old man shot his grandmother before driving to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and overpowering a school officer, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Erick Estrada. The shooter was later killed by responding police, Abbott said.
The shooting marks the deadliest shooting at a US grade school since the 2012 attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. It also comes just 10 days after a gunman killed 10 people at a mass shooting in buffalo.
Uvalde is a city of about 16,000 people about 80 miles west of San Antonio.
Funeral homes in the community have offered to help the victims’ families lay their loved ones to rest at no cost, including Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home and Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.
“We have fought together as a community and we will pull together as one now in our time of need,” Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home wrote in a facebook post. “Hillcrest will be assisting families with NO COST for funerals for all involved in today’s horrific events. Prayer for our small amazing town.”
Here is how you can help the community of Uvalde.
Live updates:19 children, 2 teachers dead after school shooting in Texas; gunman killed by law enforcement
donate money
The crowdfunding website GoFundMe has set up a central page for family aid with verified donation options. One of the pools, started by California-based nonprofit Victims First, had raised over $640,000 by noon Wednesday.
A Robb Elementary Memorial Fund account has been opened at the First State Bank of Uvalde for the families of Robb Elementary as well, according to a tweet from the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District.
Those who wish to donate can do so at any branch. Checks can also be mailed to 200 E Nopal St., Uvalde, Texas 78801. Donors can also send money on Zelle to [email protected].
donate blood
If you’re in the area, emergency blood drives have been set up to support the victims of the shooting.
South Texas Blood and Tissue is hosting an emergency blood drive at the Herby Ham Activity Center Wednesday.
“Our hearts are with the Uvalde community,” South Texas Blood and Tissue said.
You can schedule an appointment here and walk-ins are also welcome.
University Health encourages the community to consider donating blood.
You can schedule an appointment to donate blood here.
The American Red Cross said in a Facebook post Tuesday evening that they have all the resources they need, but they are working with the Department of Public Safety, the City of Uvalde, and Uvalde County to help family members.
“We will continue to coordinate with local officials and community partners to determine how we can best support the Uvalde community in the days and weeks ahead,” the post read. “While we do not typically serve hospitals in this area of Texas, the American Red Cross stands ready to provide blood and blood products as needed in response to this tragedy.”
Volunteer to be an attorneys needed
San Antonio Legal Services Association is calling for attorney volunteers.
Volunteers will assist Uvalde shooting victims and their families with legal services.
Licensed attorneys in Texas can send their availability through June and area of practice to [email protected].
Follow Sarah Ann Dueñas on Twitter @sarahcantweet.
Contributing: Wyatte Grantham-Philips, John Bacon, Celina Tebor, Saleen Martin, USA TODAY.
www.usatoday.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism