What You Can Do to Help in the Wake of the Pulse Shooting

Following the tragic shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, people in the city, state, and country, are looking for any way to help the community heal.

Blood donations are being welcomed all across the state. People who wish to donate can go online at OneBlood.org and click on the “Make a Donation” link, where you can enter your zip code and find the donation center nearest you. However, OneBlood is advising potential donors to make an appointment for later in the week, as many centers are currently overwhelmed. You do so online at the link above or by calling 1-888-936-6283.

Donations are also being accepted my many organizations in the area. The city’s official fund, launched by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, is the OneOrlando Fund. Orlando City SC, the Orlando Magic, JetBlue, and Darden Restaurants have all made pledges to this fund, and Orlando City SC will be directing further fundraising efforts there as well. You can donate to the OneOrlando Fund at OneOrlando.org.

Orlando Health is asking for donations to the Orlando Regional Medical Center’s Level One Trauma Center, where victims of the shooting were taken and continue to be treated. You can donate $10 by texting “Orlando” to the number 20222. The charge will be added to your service provider’s bill.

Orlando City Dedicates June 18 Match to #OrlandoUnited

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Last night, thousands of people from every background came together at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center to remember the victims of this horrific attack. Three more vigils are scheduled to be held in the immediate Orlando are in the coming week, where people can show their support for the community. The University of Central Florida will be holding a candlelight vigil at the UCF Reflection Pool tonight at 7:00 PM. OnePulse Orlando will be holding a vigil at the UCF Reflection Pool as well on Friday at 6:00 PM. And a candlelight vigil will be held at Lake Eola on Sunday at 8:00 PM. All three events are open to the public.

If anyone has been affected by the shooting or knows someone who has and is in need of counseling, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida is offering its services. The center is located at 1901 E Robinson St. Emergency hotlines are available in both English, at 407-822-5036, and Spanish, at 407-228-1446.

The Hope & Help Center of Central Florida is looking for volunteer counselors to aide in its counseling services. They are seeking licensed social work and mental health professionals registered with the state of Florida. Those wishing to volunteer can sign up for a shift on this Google spreadsheet.

Together, we can show that Orlando truly is and always will be united.