Here’s How to Help the Thousand Oaks, California Shooting Victims
A gunman opened fire overnight in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Twelve people are dead, including a sheriff’s sergeant, and more than 20 are reported injured.
People in Southern California are being asked to donate blood to help the survivors.
The nation woke up to the news of another senseless and horrific mass shooting on Thursday morning, Nov. 8. A gunman opened fire and took the lives of 12 people at a Western-themed bar in Thousand Oaks, California. The gunman then allegedly took his own life. As of Thursday morning, reports of those injured in the chaos are up to 21 people.
On Wednesday evening, The Borderline Bar & Grill, a popular spot among students at nearby colleges, hosted a country line dancing night. Sheriff Geoff Dean, an area law official, reported that between 150 and 200 people were inside the bar during the attack.
The names of the victims have yet to be released, but the California Highway Patrol officer who responded to the emergency calls was Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the force who was among those killed. The gunman has been identified as 28-year-old former Marine Ian David Long of Thousand Oaks.
Here’s how you can help the victims and survivors of this most recent shooting.
Donate Blood
Those who have rare or universal blood types are encouraged to give blood. Donors local to the Los Angeles metropolitan area can visit the American Red Cross’ website to make an appointment or host a drive.
Los Robles says they need blood; directing to United blood services (877-25-VITAL) to book appt. Blood drive today at La Reina High School in TO. Blood drive 10a-2p. Can come without appointment but may have to wait. Anyone O- you are a universal blood donor. Please donate!
— On Air/Ryan Seacrest (@OnAirWithRyan) November 8, 2018
Donate Money
Funds are always needed for recovery at times of tragedy, and campaigns are often launched in order to collect donations to help victims. An official fundraising campaign has yet to be verified for the victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting, but interested parties can search for a campaign on GoFundMe or check back here for an update. It is also being reported that you can donate to the Ventura County Community Foundation to help out.
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A Family Unification hotline is also available to help families connect to victims of the attack:
PLEASE SHARE: A Family Unification Center has been set up at 1375 E. Janss Rd. in Thousand Oaks, CA after bar mass shooting attack.
Hotline: 1-(805)-465-6650
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) November 8, 2018
Learn more about America’s largest charitable organizations.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s How to Help the Thousand Oaks, California Shooting Victims
