Social Impact & Volunteering

Aurora Theater Shooting Relief Effort

Jul 26, 2012 9:45 PM ET

(3BL Media) July 26, 2012 - Residents of Aurora, Colo., are mourning the loss of the 12 victims who were tragically shot and killed Friday at a midnight showing of the “The Dark Knight Rises.”  As locals begin piecing together the details of this unspeakable tragedy, aid organizations are stepping in to offer them supplies, blood donations, support and comfort.

Find out how the area’s nonprofits are getting involved in the relief effort and how you can help.

HUFFINGTON POST IMPACT/CROWDRISE FUNDRAISER: 
Your contribution will go to the New Venture Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that funds relief projects. New Venture will distribute donations to organizations such as charities, churches and hospitals supporting the families of victims. In some instances, donations will go directly to families. Donations accepted here.

Various charities include:

Bonfils Blood Center
After sending 342 units of blood to five local hospitals treating the victims of Friday’s tragic shooting, the Bonfils Blood Center in Denver is desperate for donations, Tiffany Anderson, marketing and communications director, told the Huffington Post via email. The 70-year-old bank particularly needs donations of O-negative and A-negative blood in order to replenish its supply. Bonfils is no longer accepting walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment by calling 303.363.2300 or visiting the organization’s website here.

Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance
The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) helps heal those who have been affected by crime with its education, leadership and advocacy programs. COVA is working with the Aurora Police Department to coordinate donations for victims of Friday’s mass shooting. To contribute to COVA’s relief efforts, consider making a donation online or sending a check to 90 Galapago Street, Denver CO, 80223.

Aurora Mental Health Center 
The Aurora Mental Health Center is offering crisis counseling to anyone in need. Those seeking help can walk in to the center or call 303.617.2300 to find out more information. Find out how you can support the Aurora Mental Health Center here.

United Way Denver
United Way Denver is working to reunite families with lost loved ones who they believe may have been victims of the Aurora theater shooting. Those looking for missing relatives can contact the organization’s 2-1-1 hotline for help. The United Way Denver isn't collecting money for shooting victims, but you can support the organization's mission to reunite families here.

The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross Colorado Chapters dispensed food, water and mental health professionals to Gateway High School, which served as an evacuation site for victims and witnesses after the shooting. The organization is not accepting donations at this time for this specific effort.

The Denver Center For Crime Victims 
The local nonprofit is providing bilingual/bicultural counselors to victims and families affected by the tragedy. The organization provides resources such as financial aid, provisions, support groups and more during times of trauma. Learn more here.