Friday's deadly rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School left a small, Connecticut community — and a nation — heartbroken. The deaths of 20 innocent first graders and six adults have spawned countless support groups, donation sites, and a very real national gun control policy that is currently in the works. A group from Chicago has even brought in 10 specially trained golden retrievers, technically referred to as "comfort dogs," to help those grieving in Newtown, Conn.
Although you may be thousands of miles from Newtown, you would be surprised how easy it is to lend a helping hand to those affected by the tragedy. Find out how you can support the community of Newtown.
Sandy Hook School Support Fund: Organized by the United Way of Western Connecticut, this fund will provide support for the victims' families and the community. Mail check donations to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470.
Newtown Youth and Family Services: This fund provides emergency counseling for family, staff, and community members of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. Donations may be made online, here.
Danbury Hospital: Partnering with local counseling and mental health agencies, the area hospital is providing immediate resources every hour of the day. Find out how you can help on their website.
#26Acts of Kindness Campaign: Started by Ann Curry and in honor of the lives of the 26 children and adults lost, people have taken to the streets to fulfill 26 random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season in hopes that the recipient will pay it forward to someone else. Start your own #26Acts.
My Sandy Hook Family Fund: A number of Sandy Hook Elementary parents of the children who survived have begun this fund to help with the immediate needs of the community, from funeral services to ongoing living expenses. Donate online or send a check to: 'My Sandy Hook Family Fund' c/o Wells Fargo Bank 26 Church Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470.
Donate in the memory of the victims: This list details how to donate in the victims' names, as well as how to best express your own condolences, as outlined in their respective obituaries. View the donation guide, here.
