Aurora Theater Colorado Shooting: How You Can Help Victims, Families

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Residents of Aurora, Colo., are mourning the loss of the 12 victims who were tragically shot and killed Friday at a midnight showing of the “The Dark Knight Rises.”

As locals begin piecing together the details of this unspeakable tragedy, aid organizations are stepping in to offer them supplies, blood donations and comfort.

Find out how the area’s nonprofits are getting involved in the relief effort and how you can help.

Bonfils Blood Center
After sending 342 units of blood to five local hospitals treating the victims of Friday’s tragic shooting, the Bonfils Blood Center in Denver is desperate for donations, Tiffany Anderson, marketing and communications director, told the Huffington Post via email. The 70-year-old bank particularly needs donations of O-negative and A-negative blood in order to replenish its supply. Bonfils is no longer accepting walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment by calling 303.363.2300 or visiting the organization’s website here.

Thrive With Confidence Foundation
Thrive With Confidence has organized a local gathering and donation drive in Aurora, Colo., aimed at supporting the community in this time of need. The meeting will provide support for those affected by the tragedy. Donations, such as food and bottled water, are encouraged. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page. Donations can be delivered directly to the Rec Center at 15528 east Hampden circle, Aurora, CO 80013

United Way Denver 2-1-1 Hotline
For Denver residents looking for non-emergency help, whether it’s someone to talk to about the recent tragedies, information on how to get aid from a local medical clinic and mental assistance, the United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline offers free, multi-lingual services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn how you can support the United Way’s critical hotline service here.

The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross Colorado Chapters dispensed food, water and mental health professionals to Gateway High School, which served as an evacuation site for victims and witnesses after the shooting. The organization is not accepting donations at this time for this specific effort.