In the wake of the explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line, three are dead, more than 130 injured, and an entire city has been forever changed by this horrific crime. Both Boston and the nation have come together to support victims, their families and loved ones affected by the tragedy. Below, you’ll find ways to help victims with their recovery and authorities with their investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by Monday’s events.
How to Help & Connect With Victims
The City of Boston has set up onefundboston.org to take donations for victims. The fund already has a $1 million donation from John Hancock.
Use the Red Cross Safe and Well website to connect with family and friends. On Monday night at 9:45 p.m., the Red Cross of Eastern Mass. tweeted they are not seeking blood donors at this time, and on Tuesday, Gov. Deval Patrick urged residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Follow their Twitter handle @RedCrossEastMA for timely updates.
The Salvation Army has mobile kitchens on hand to provide food and beverages to those in need, as well as counseling and “emotional and spiritual care” to survivors and first responders. To donate, click here.
Airbnb is waiving all service fees for those affected by the explosions. If you can offer a place to stay, post it on Airbnb using this link.
Local charity Tech Underwriting Greater Good (TUGG) has launched a campaign on Fundraise.com to funnel donations from the tech community to relevant causes, including the Red Cross, Children’s Hospital and more.
BostInno is hosting a fundraiser at Empire on Monday, April 22 from 6pm-8pm. Donations will continue to support the campaign launched by Phil Beauregard and members of TUGG.
On Thursday, April 25, there is a Friends with Benefits Gala in which six local non-profits are coming together in a singular event to raise money for marathon victims. Half of the proceeds from the Gala will be donated to The One Fund Boston.
The last mile of the Boston Marathon was dedicated to victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and the explosions occurred near a VIP viewing section for families of the Newtown victims. Make a donation to the Newtown Memorial Fund here.
An Emerson student created the campaign “Boston Strong,” selling $20 t-shirts, with all proceeds going to “a charity related to the events that transpired.”
Rue La La has also created a special shirt for Boston to raise money for Emergency Medicine Fund at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Google has set up a person finder for the Boston Marathon explosions to reconnect with loved ones.
Those seeking information on victims can call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500.
How to Help the Authorities
Authorities are asking that the public send any and all images and videos associated with the explosions be sent to them directly, as they could help with the investigation. Below you’ll find specific numbers to call.
The FBI is urging those with information, visual images and/or details to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), prompt #3. “No piece of information or detail is too small,” according to a press release. You can also email them at Boston@ic.fbi.gov.
The Boston Police Department is asking witnesses or people with information to call 1-800-494-TIPS.
Use the hashtag #bostonhelp on Twitter to find further ways to provide support. For more information on road closures, the MBTA, businesses and schools in the area, click here.
