Highland Park, an Illinois suburb, is still reeling from the shooting at the July Fourth Parade that left seven people dead and many more injured.
You may wonder how you can help those affected by this tragedy as you learn more about the loss of life and the damage caused.
You can donate to the community either to official city funds or verified fundraisers set up by survivors’ families (more details below). To maximize your impact, you might consider using websites such as Charity Navigator or GiveWell
Nancy Rotering, Highland Park Mayor, warned residents about scams Wednesday.
She stated that she was aware of emails and online solicitations for donations, as they could not be legitimate. Protecting the privacy of victims’ families and friends is also important. Use social media to share information with caution and not reveal personal details about victims or their families.
This guide is not exhaustive and will help you to find ways that you can help.
Highland Park Community Foundation established the July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund. It will distribute all donations directly to survivors, victims and other local organizations that help them.
To make a donation, you can either fill out the online form or mail a check payable at Highland Park Community Foundation to P.O. Box 398. Highland Park, IL 60035.
The foundation posted on Facebook, “Never have I needed the strength and community of neighbors more than now.” Thank you and please share widely.
The Lake County Community Crisis Relief Fund also raises money to assist local residents affected by the shooting.
The 100% donation will be used to support the community’s needs, such as mental health counseling services, downtown revitalization and education, and other urgent needs that may arise. You can also donate online.
Many people who were injured or lost loved ones during the shooting set up online fundraising pages to raise funds for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other assistance.
GoFundMe, an online crowdfunding platform, has verified many of these fundraisers through its Trust and Safety team and put them all together in one place.
VictimsFirst is a network of survivors of mass casualty crimes who organizes verified fundraisers to ensure that people directly affected by similar tragedies are able to receive funds. Similar fundraisers were launched in the wake of recent mass shootings, including in Uvalde (Texas), Buffalo, N.Y., Atlanta, Ga., and El Paso.
The Highland Park fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $320,000 in monetary donations, promises that 100% of all donations will go to the loved ones of the injured and deceased.
They wrote that “Our families have been revictimized in past by non-profits that collect funds after a massacre saying they will support’ or help the families, which is often the language used when donations don’t go directly to the victim base.” We will find a way for the funds to reach the families. We have always done so.”
The website of the city lists many mental health resources that are available to victims of the tragedy. These include in-person counseling and support through 211.
Officials are looking for mental health professionals who may be interested in volunteering to complete an online provider survey.
According to 211’s list of resources, several hospitals in the area advertised blood drives within days. Although their needs have been met, they still believe there is plenty of reason for blood donation.
NPR received an email from a spokesperson for NorthShore University HealthSystem on Thursday, stating that the university had received support from the community who wanted to donate blood following the tragedy.
He said that there was sufficient blood supply at the moment to provide support for patients under his care. “We are open to receiving blood donations from individuals to NorthShore to support other clinical needs.”
For more information, email donateblood@northshore.org or call 847-570-2242.
