Approximately 58 people were killed and 515 injured, according to ABC News, at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Las Vegas strip on Sunday night after a shooter (who police identified as Stephen Paddock) opened fire on concertgoers from a 32nd floor window of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. If you, like the rest of the nation, woke up on Monday morning to the news of the Las Vegas shooting filled with dread and the desire to help those affected by the horrific event, there are a few ways to provide assistance during this tragic time.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, in a released statement, are now asking for blood donations to help save the lives of the 515 that were injured.
“Anyone wishing to help is asked to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting. United Blood Services will start taking donations at 7 a.m. at two locations: 6930 W. Charleston in Las Vegas or 601 Whitney Ranch Drive in Henderson,” the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in the statement. “UMC will also be hosting a blood drive in conjunction with United Blood Services. It will be held at UMC’s Delta Point Building located at 901 N. Rancho Lane. There will be updates as to the exact time of the blood drive as more information is available.”
If you’re in Las Vegas and want to be a hero — donate blood. They’re desperate for supply to save lives. Here’s where to go: pic.twitter.com/DBU86yQtmY
— Alheli Picazo (@a_picazo) October 2, 2017
According to The Huffington Post, donors were already lining up Monday morning to help the victims of the shooting before blood donations centers even opened their doors.
Pic from inside blood donation center on W Charleston. Packed. You can help too @KTNV @BethFisherTV pic.twitter.com/tPemr6ikyq
— David Schuman (@david_schuman) October 2, 2017
Come to 6930 W. Charleston Rd to donate blood to all of our Las Vegas family pic.twitter.com/EdpLqUyeX3
— Christina Lombardi (@c_lombardii) October 2, 2017
For those of us who are not in the Las Vegas area but would still like to help the victims and their families, the Southern Nevada chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting donations, Newsweek reports.
You can also donate to the GoFundMe account started by the Chairman of the Clark County Commission, Steve Sisolak, to “provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting,” according to Newsweek.
Outside of donations, if you’re driven to inspire some legislative change following this event, there’s options for that as well. According to Newsweek, Nevada has more lax guns laws than most states and allows its citizens to open carry their firearms without a permit. Furthermore, the House of Representatives is currently discussing legislation that would “ease up on rules concerning gun silencers.
So, if you want to participate in this discussion and change gun laws, a good place to start would be to call your Representatives. (You can find information on how to contact your Representative here.)
If you are looking for loved ones that may have been affected by this incident and are currently missing, you are asked to call 866-535-5654. Facebook has also turned on its safety check feature for those in the Las Vegas area to let their loved ones know that they are safe, HuffPost reports.
It’s during times like these where we must join together and help those that desperately need our assistance, support and love. Luckily there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and help the people who are hurting.