How to Help the Victims and Families of the Parkland School Shooting

Last week the nation was rocked by yet another school shooting. The horrific act took the lives of 17 people, many of whom were children. As we collectively try to heal, many of us are also wondering what we can do to help. 

There are several verified initiatives that will get the money to the people who need it most. From memorial scholarships to help with medical expenses here's a list of five ways to help the students and families of the Parkland school shooting.

1. Buy a t-shirt. Stoneman Douglas student Eric Hengber designed shirts with the phrases "Douglas Strong" and "Parkland United" on them. "My son Eric wanted to do something to help Parkland heal," Hengber wrote in a social media post. "Within hours of the tragedy, he designed t-shirts you can purchase with 100 percent of the profits going directly to the families [and] victims affected," his mother wrote on Facebook.
2. Donate to a memorial scholarship. Nicholas Paul Dworet was getting ready to attend Indiana University to pursue swimming before he was fatally shot. His parents set up a scholarhip fund called Swim for Nick, "In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a donation page for TS Aquatics who are starting a foundation in Nicholas’ name called 'Swim For Nick' #Swim4Nick," it says on the donation website.
3. Donate to the general fund. The Broward County Education Foundation set up a GoFundMe page to collectic money to be distributed to the vicitms and their families. The website states, "Broward County Public Schools district is dealing with the unimaginable tragedy that unfolded on February 14th at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. There are no words to express the sorrow that we are all feeling. Donations raised here will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific shooting." So far they have collected over $2 million dollars.
4. Help with survivors' medical expenses. Student Anthoby Borges used himself as a human shield to protect his fellow classmates. He saved 20 lives but has a long road to recoery as he was shot multiple times. Help his family by alleviating some of their medical expenses.
5. Support the students in their #neveragain movement. One of the most miraculous things to come out of this unthinkable tragedy is the response of the students. On Sunday March 24, all across the county the March For Our Lives will occur. "The funds will be spent on the incredibly difficult and expensive process that is organzing a march like this. We have people making more specific plans, but for now know that this is for the march and everything left over will be going to the victims' funds," states the GoFundMe page.

Let's support these children and their families during this tragic time.