VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The United Way of South Hampton Roads partnered with the City of Virginia Beach to start a fund for the victims of Friday's mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.
The United Way said that every single cent collected will go towards the victims. With help from the city they will also handle all of the expenses for the victim's funerals.
"They are going to be feeling the effects of that for years to come and I hope that they see that their community is behind them," explained Kelsey Morhing with The United Way of South Hampton Roads. "It's not just the week after, its not just the month after but we are going to be there to help take care of them and help make sure that they have what they need to be a little bit whole again."
To donate, click here. You can also text keyword VABEACH to 41444.
GoFundMe said in a statement that Virginia Beach resident Leon Robertson also created a campaign to support the victims, with all proceeds transferred directly to the United Way of South Hampton Roads' Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund. To donate, click here.
In addition to online donations, TowneBank will accept checks made out to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund at any of its branches beginning Monday. It will then deliver the checks to the United Way.
TowneBank made a $500,000 donation of its own to the fund.
If you are unable to help financially, you can donate your time to those in need. The City of Virginia Beach partnered with VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads to put those who want to help to work. The organization is currently looking for credentialed counselors and clergy members but say they will need all different types of skills in the coming weeks.
"We're asking the community to just sign up tell us what their skills are and when that need comes up we will reach out to you," said Executive Director Stephanie Gorham. "A big way to help is to just be there to listen to people that want to walk about it. There are so many people hurt by this just listening to them is a huge way to volunteer your time."
Click here to submit an application to help.
Click here for our full coverage on the Virginia Beach mass shooting.
