As you all know, December 14th changed the holiday season forever for many families in and around Newtown, CT. I first heard the radio broadcast of a school in lock down early in the morning and over the next few hours small and large facts, truths and speculation emerged. The news traveled the globe in minutes and friends were receiving calls from relatives in other countries asking if their children were OK.
I had seen these horrific events unfold before on the news. But this was close to home. And by that evening I learned I knew people with children, cousins, friends who left the building minutes before the shooting, or lived through the shooting. Or knew someone who lost a child.
On December 15th we all awoke hoping it had been a terrible nightmare. Many of us turned to social media and news broadcasts to discuss, update, post memorial photos and prayers. I am usually one of them, but I was not handling the emotions well. I largely avoided the details for the first few days and continue to do so as much as possible. I am so lucky to have that option. There are 26 families that can't avoid the reality of their loss. And many, many more whose loved ones came home but have witnessed unimaginable evil and lost an innocence that cannot be regained.
My 45 Acts of Charity In My 45th year now has an added purpose. We need the good in this world to triumph over evil. We need to show people who have lost faith in hope that it is there, waiting. So, in my little tiny corner of the world I will add my little tiny voice to others big and small and try to make a great roar.
And you know what, I think that means I should go put on my elf-eared hat and sing carols out loud in public. And I will do it with a heavy place in my soul when I think of the mothers and fathers who have no heart to do the same this year. I sing for them.
In the spirit of this and my project, here is information on funds that support the families and victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. I have chosen the general funds that help with short- and long-term counseling and costs associated with the final arrangements. There are also other, specific funds in the names of some of the victims or started by individuals, that can be found online and all are worthy of your support. When you choose to donate, please, be sure it is going to a legitimate fund and for a specific area of need.
Newtown Memorial Fund - Short term goal of assisting with final arrangement expenses, long term goal of a physical memorial and a scholarship fund for the students.
http://newtownmemorialfund.org
Danbury Hospital - Coordinating 24-7 hour crisis intervention services.
https://1460.thankyou4caring.org/
"My Sandy Hook Family Fund" - Started by residents of Newtown to offset the immediate expenses of the victim's families, a very practical and needed effort.
https://www.everribbon.com/ribbon/view/10076
UCONN's Sandy Hook Memorial Scholarship Fund - an easy way to donate by text, and a great fund.
http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2012/12/uconn-establishes-memorial-scholarship-to-honor-victims-of-newtown-school-shootings/
A side note, the American Red Cross provided blood for the injured. I am so glad to have donated twice this year, even if it went to a need elsewhere. The Red Cross is now asking not for blood donations but that you support a fund that helps support the community of Sandy Hook as they will be focusing their efforts there.
Two unidentified parishioners lower their church flag to half-mast in Milford, CT early on the morning of December 15th. Places of worship were overflowing all weekend.
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