The March 22 shooting at the King Soopers in South Boulder has shocked and devastated this tight-knit community. Even as they grieve the 10 victims killed during the shooting, many people are asking the same question: How can I help?
If you’re looking for a way to show support and lend a helping hand in the wake of this horrific tragedy, there are a number of organizations and causes you can donate to. Here’s how to help.
Support the Victims’ Families
All told, 10 people were killed by the gunman in the shooting, including a Boulder Police officer. These are their names:
- Denny Stong, 20
- Neven Stanisic, 23
- Rikki Olds, 25
- Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
- Suzanne Fountain, 59
- Teri Leiker, 51
- Officer Eric Talley, 51
- Kevin Mahoney, 61
- Lynn Murray, 62
- Jody Waters, 65
Dozens of other people shopping or working at the King Soopers survived the shooting but are now grappling with the trauma of what they heard and saw during the attack.
You can show support for the victims’ families, as well as help support some of the survivors, by donating to their official GoFundMe fundraisers.
This list has been verified by GoFundMe itself. Always be sure you are donating to a legitimate cause or website, as there are many scammers who try to take advantage of people after these types of events: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/boulder-shooting-fundraisers
Support Other Funds
Unfortunately, mass shootings and instances of mass violence are not new in Colorado. As such, you can donate to the Colorado Healing Fund to support the immediate and long-term needs of victims. The fund is a secure way to donate to the victims: https://www.coloradogives.org/index.php?section=organizations&action=newDonation&fwID=40167
Community Foundation Boulder County, in partnership with more than a dozen businesses and organizations, has also set up a crisis fund in the wake of the shooting. You can donate here: https://www.commfound.org/blog/community-foundation-announces-boulder-county-crisis-fund
You can also donate to the Boulder County Fall and Injured Officer Fund to help support Officer Talley’s family: https://www.bouldercounty.org/safety/sheriff/fallen-officer-fund/
Attend Vigils
Already, there have been several vigils held in Boulder in honor of the shooting victims and survivors. You can show support for their families, as well as for the broader Boulder community as a whole, by attending these vigils and offering care and compassion to others while you’re there. Check Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites for planned, upcoming vigils.
You can also honor the victims’ memories by leaving flowers, cards, signs and other supportive items at the makeshift memorial outside the South Boulder King Soopers or at the makeshift memorial in front of the Boulder Police Department.
There will be a memorial service for Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30. You can watch online: https://bouldercolorado.gov/newsroom/memorial-service-information-for-officer-eric-talley
Get Mental Health When You Need It
If you find yourself grappling with grief, sadness, anger and other emotions following the shooting, know that you’re not alone. You can also seek support from an array of mental health providers and resources, including:
- Mental Health Partners, 303,442,8500, https://www.mhpcolorado.org/community-in-mourning/. You can make an appointment or visit the walk-in clinic at 3180 Airport Road.
- Colorado Crisis Services, 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990
- National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP
- Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-8355
