Here's a list of places you can go to donate time, money or services to help the victims and first responders of the Pulse shooting in Orlando.
Funds
Equality Florida GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund (This site is not managed by Bay News 9/News 13. For more information on how the site works and the rules, visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety)
OneOrlando Fund: City-sponsored fund for the community.
AT&T wireless customers can text "Orlando" to 20222 to donate $10 to Orlando Regional Medical Center's Level One Trauma Center to help with ongoing medical needs.
Orlando City Soccer Club and Central Florida's sports teams are joining forces to sell #OrlandoUnited branded t-shirts. All net proceeds go to the OneOrlando Fund.
The shirts come in black, blue and purple. They cost $22 for adult sizes and $18 for youth sizes.
You can buy a shirt online by going to the Orlando City website.
You can also pick up a shirt at a pop-up store available at Wall Street Plaze on Thursday and Friday, at Camping World Stadium during the Orlando City game on Saturday, at the Orlando Solar Bear offices in Maitland on Friday, or at the Amway Center during the Orlando Predators game on June 24.
More information can be found on the Orlando City website.
Orlando area restaurants will help raise money for the OneOrlando Fund on June 30. During Dine Out For Orlando United, different restaurants throughout Central Florida will raise money for the fund through a variety of ways, including donating a portion of total sales. More information is available on the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association website.
Blood drives
UCF
Wednesday, June 15: OneBlood bus will be in front of the Student Union and a second bus will be next to the Veterans Commemorative Site on Memory Mall (Student Union side), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 16: OneBlood bus will be next to the Veterans Commemorative Site on Memory Mall (Student Union side). 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 17: The American Legion family will hold a blood drive during their 95th Department of Florida Convention at the Renaissance Hotel SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, 32821.
Tampa Bay area
Wednesday, June 15: Offices of Dr. Henry Acosta, 2016 U.S. 92, Auburndale. 1-4 p.m.
Friday, June 17: Pinellas County Utilities building, 14 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 21: at Auburndale Parks and Recreation, 119 W. Park Street, Auburndale, 33823. 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22: Hillsborough Community College's SouthShore Campus in Ruskin. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, June 16: The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will host a special LGBT Pride Celebration at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Funeral service assistance
A florist in the Orlando area wants to donate casket pieces and any other flower arrangements for the funerals of those lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting. They are asking members of their immediate family to please call, as they will also be delivering for free. Katherine’s Florist, 677 FL-50, Clermont, FL 34711, 352-818-0745.
Norberto Benitez, owner of Tampa Flowers and Baskets is offering their services free for victims of the tragedy in Orlando. "Segal Funeral Home" is located at 3909 Henderson Blvd Tampa, Fl 33629.They are offering to do the service of the victims. They can apply for a $5000 grant from the government that will cover the cost of a casket and also burial. Their service will fee be waivered. Contact Norberto at (646) 963-7890 or call Segal Funeral Home in Tampa tell them Bobby from BNI sent you.
Food donations
The Center, an Orlando LGBTQ outreach organization, is accepting non-perishable food items to be donated. Items can be taken to 946 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803.
Counseling services
There is a need in the community for grief and mental health counselors. Counselors must be licensed social worker or licensed mental health or post graduate mental health interns registered with the state of Florida. There is a Google spreadsheet available for counselors to sign up for volunteer shifts.
Two Spirit is looking for bilingual volunteers to counsel families affected by the tragedy. They have shifts open for Tuesday and the rest of the week. If you are interested in helping, text Lindsay Kincaid at 504-913-5746. DO NOT CALL.
United Way Heart of Florida - dial 211 on ANY phone
Orange County Neighborhood Center for Families. 407-294-3519 (8 locations)
UCF Community Counseling and Research Center. 407-823-2052
TRANSformations (individual Trauma Care) 407-221-7463
Crisis Text Hotline (741741) and website: www.glbthotline.org
Hispanic Counseling Center (www.hispafam.com) 407-382-9079
The Center will have crisis intervention services available. No appointment needed. 946 N. Mills Ave.
Elder care
Share the Care would like to offer elder care assistance to any of the victim's families who may need help during this time. They will use non-governmental funds to allow expedited services. Please call 407-423-5311 or email info@helpforcaregivers.org to arrange service.
Animal care
Winter Park Lost Pets: The lost-and-found pets network is compiling a list of people willing to help care for the pets of victims. Go to their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WPLostPets/photos/a.10150104155552031.280341.197569852030/10153558793672031
Free pet care for victims: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando: https://www.facebook.com/petallianceorlando/posts/10153527558061927
More than 50 therapy dogs are expected to gather at Lake Eola on Sunday, June 19 at 6 p.m. to spread some love and smiles to the community.
East Orange Animal Hospital is offering their services to any animals that might be stranded after their owners were killed or hurt. Employees will help by finding homes for the pets in need or if recovering victims are hurt -- they will help walk and take care of the animals. Anyone in need of assistance can call 407-275-3856.
Transportation
Compass Luxury Transportation of Winter Park would like to offer the families of the victims free transportation in our luxury vehicles for any funeral, memorials services they will be holding in the Central Florida area. Please call 407-760-6868 and ask to speak to Lumarie Cordeiro to arrange transportation.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is offering a free bus pass for people who donate blood at either one of the two blood drives held by Pinellas County and OneBlood this week. Donors can claim their free bus pass at Park Street Terminal, 525 Park St., Clearwater, during the hours of each blood drive by showing their badge of courage (bandage). Bus passes are limited to one per person.
Local business assistance
Gov. Rick Scott announced that the State Emergency Response Team has activated the Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center to provide assistance to local businesses impacted by the terror attack in Orlando. Affected businesses should complete a Business Damage Assessment survey that will be used to determine which emergency support programs might be beneficial to help impacted local businesses The survey can be obtained here; select the “Orlando Emergency Event” event.