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SALT LAKE CITY — People from across the country are trying to help the victims of Orlando, Florida, by donating money and blood. Utahns are no different.
"I've been meaning to come in and give blood for quite some time and I thought today would be a good day, especially after what happened in Orlando," said Alison Bowers.
As the country reels from the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, there are many people like Bowers who just want to do something.
"I can just do what I can to put good back in this world," Bowers said.
For them that something is donating blood. The Red Cross blood donation center in Salt Lake City was a little more crowded than usual Monday with people looking to help. People like Alison Bowers and Blake London.
"I have Type O-negative, so it's like really important for people like me to give blood," London said. "It hit me really hard what happened. And I just wanted to do whatever I could to help because they're so far away, out in Orlando and I don't know anybody out there, but I figured this was the least I could do."
The Red Cross said it's providing Type O-negative blood to Florida hospitals and will give more as needed. And more is always needed.
"The Red Cross as a whole needs to collect about 14,000 pints of blood every day to fulfill the need," said Tammy Nakamura with the American Red Cross Utah chapter. "And it's the blood on the shelves that is really needed, especially in times of emergency."
For those wanting to donate money, Equality Florida set up a GoFundMe page*. It received nearly 43,000 donations in one day, equaling $1.7 million. A lot of people trying to do a little something to prove that good still exists.
"I just feel very strongly that we need to help each other and support each other and not find ways to hate and to judge," Bowers said.
If you do want to give money there are many websites out there taking donations. A few things to keep in mind:
• Be wary of emails asking for donations. Legitimate organizations do not solicit funds through email.
• Don't give donations directly through social media like Facebook or Twitter. It's better to go directly to the charity's website.
• Do your homework to find out where the funds are really going.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
