How to help victims and the community after the Annunciation shooting
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The city of Minneapolis and local organizations are establishing community resources for those affected by the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting.
- Here are ways you can help — and get support.
Donate
Text ACF1 to 41444 to donate to the Annunciation Response Fund, established by the city and the Minneapolis Foundation. The foundation will work with the Annunciation community to equitably distribute money to those affected, per the city.
- Donated goods for affected families will also be accepted at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church through 7pm Friday, and any extra items will be donated to local community organizations.
The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota has also launched a donation page, with the money disbursed as large grants for Annunciation Church and to "support broader needs in the Catholic community that arise in connection with or as a result of this tragedy."
Two GoFundMe fundraisers for a 12-year-old and 13-year-old victim have been established by their families and verified by GoFundMe, the platform confirmed.
- Be smart: The site has a centralized hub for its verified fundraisers, which go through "an enhanced due diligence review process" to catch any misuse.
Give back
Memorial Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are always seeking blood donors, with MBC declaring a "blood emergency" in Minnesota earlier this week. Anyone who donates at MBC before next Wednesday is entered to win an all-expenses-paid vacation.
Mental Health Minnesota has a variety of volunteer opportunities for those looking to serve their local community, including positions with a youth peer support line, the Mental Health Helpline and one-time/occasional options.
Get support
For parents and caregivers, Star Tribune columnist Laura Yuen gathered tips from local experts on how to discuss the tragedy with children of all ages.
The Disaster Distress Helpline offers year-round disaster crisis counseling 24/7 via phone call or text at 1-800-985-5990.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available for mental health help 24/7, or text HOME to 741741 to reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Line.