Support for the Families of Newtown

Newtown, Connecticut has just experienced the murders of 26 innocent women and children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and one woman in her home. We, the people of the United States, and also people around the world who are horrified at this and many other senseless acts of violence, need to show our support for the victims and their families and also speak up to try to prevent future tragedies of this terrible nature.

Judy Williams, the co-founder of Charlotte, N.C.-based Mothers of Murdered Offspring, is leading the call for an evening of mourning next Tuesday. Williams wants every city and town to gather at a central location at 7 P.M. on December 18th and light white candles to remember the victims of Friday's shooting. 

Please forward this message so more people will know about this and be able to participate. Take pictures or video of your local gathering and post it to show the world that your community cares and wants to make a difference in the world.

Since it is the holiday season in America, perhaps people should bring some sheets of Christmas or holiday carols to sing and share with others. Please make sure that peaceful songs from all traditions are welcome.

If you're not part of a Christmas Caroling tradition, or if you live in an area or country where another religion is more commonly practiced, please bring copies of some of your own tradition's songs that have a theme of hope and peace. The message of hope and peace, and coming together in light and song, is what's important. No matter how different our backgrounds, all people can join together to express our horror at the murder of defenseless children and our hope that we can build a better world.

You might want to make a sign, with your own message of peace and goodwill, or your own opinion on how to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring.

You can pass out information listing legitimate relief agencies that people can donate to, along with names and addresses of local representatives, senators, or other politicians and leaders that people can contact to express their desire for a safer world, and to demand that action be taken.

Here are a few legitimate charities:

The Sandy Hook School Support fund, sponsored by The United Way:  https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

Newtown Youth and Family Services:  http://www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org/donate.php

The Red Cross:  
http://www.redcross.org/support/donating-fundraising/donations

Save The Children:  
http://www.savethechildren.org/

Additional information:  

Check donations may be mailed to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund

c/o Newtown Savings Bank

39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

For questions about your check donation or donations within local Newtown Savings Bank branches, please call 800-461-0672.

To speak to someone at United Way, please call:

David Deschenes

Director of Brand Management

United Way of Western Connecticut

Office: (203) 792-5330 x239

Cell: (203) 858-8404

Isabel Almeida

Executive Vice President of Marketing

United Way of Western Connecticut

Office: (203) 792-5330 x106

Cell: (203) 770-9292