Tragedy in Boston: How to help
(CNN) -- Patriots Day is the third Monday in April marking the anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is also the date for the Boston Marathon every year. It is meant to be a joyful celebration for the city, but yesterday that all changed.
Tragedy struck and lives were changed forever after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon. Instead of celebrating the city, a nation now mourns the loss of three and the injuries of more than 100. But true to the American spirit, there are already people and organizations on the ground helping the victims, and you can join their efforts.
One Fund Boston
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston's Mayor Tom Menino says the city has established 'One Fund Boston'. "At times like this we are one state, one city and once people," Governor Patrick said. Boston based insurance company John Hancock has already committed $1 million to the fund, which will raise money for families most affected by the bombings.
Donate to Onefundboston.org
The Red Cross
If you have not yet connected with your loved ones who were running the race, or if you were on the scene and haven't let your loved ones know where you are, please use the Red Cross's Safe and Well website. The Red Cross also has valuable information about dealing with an emotional crises.
Donate to the Red Cross
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army deployed canteen trucks to the area to provide food. Officers have been dispatched to assist those in need.
"The Salvation Army continues to assist those impacted by the Boston Marathon explosions," Maj. Ivan Rock said. "Canteens were positioned at various sites throughout the city, including the Unified Command Post, the Family Assistance Center and Kenmore Square. An additional canteen roved throughout the impacted area supplying food, snacks and beverages to those in need. As of this morning, 1,729 meals, drinks were supplied to the victims, the families and first responders. The Salvation Army will remain on site at the Family Assistance Center, located at the Park Plaza Castle as long as support is needed."
Rock continued, "The runners, their families, and the first responders also received emotional and spiritual care from 12 Salvation Army officers and 23 Salvation Army staff volunteers. Eight Salvation Army officers were deployed to various hospitals throughout the Boston area offering pastoral care as needed."
Donate to the Salvation Army
OP: Keep in mind that the Salvation Army has had a history of LGBT discrimination.
Boston Children's Hospital
Ten of the victims were taken to Boston's Children's Hospital. The hospital is updating its website with news as it becomes available. Follow @BostonChildrens on Twitter for updates.
The Children's Hospital website also has useful resources for guidance on how to talk to children after a tragedy.
Donate to Boston's Children's Hospital
Give Blood
Governor Patrick said there is a need for blood on a sustained basis. Anyone wishing to give blood should keep checking with local hospitals and organizations like the Red Cross in the near future to see where the need may be and where to donate
Utilize social media
People often turn to Twitter for quick ways to connect. If you are in the Boston area and are looking for organizations seeking volunteers, or if you are far away but want to keep up with ways to help, follow the hashtag #BostonHelp on Twitter.
You also can keep up with us @CNNImpact or Impact Your World on Facebook as well as on our website.
Most of this stuff is very basic but i thought it would be useful to have it all in one place.
In addition, Robert Kraft (owner of the New England Patriots & the New England Revolution) will match the first $100,000 raised to help the victims recover from this tragedy. To participate in that fund donate here and MAKE SURE to write "Boston Marathon" in the accompanying message box.
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