In the US, this holiday season has been overshadowed by something so horrific that it cannot be put into words.
What can we do?
I would like to list a few resources. It is important to remember everyone grieves differently, and it is problematic to put expectations on our children or other members of our family.
For a resource for understanding child grief at various stages please read Grief and Bereavement in Children, by Robin Fiorelli.
Below are some helpful guides if you having difficulty deciding how to speak about this topic with your children:
Helping Children Heal, Attachment Parenting International
How to Talk With Kids About a School Shooting, Dr. Laura Markham
Talking to Your Kids About Death, The Attached Family
How to Help Children Cope After Trauma or Disaster (arranged by age), SAMHSA
How to Help Sandy Hook:
Once you feel your family has been properly addressed, it is time to move on to how we can help the people affected by the shooting in Newton:
If you would like to mail sympathy cards, postcards or letters of support and solidarity to the school, please write:
Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Drive
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
The community will also need financial support to cover:
1) Counseling for the survivors (children and families)
2) Funeral expenses for affected families
3) Scholarship fund supporting students at Sandy Hook Elementary
The official site (via CNN) for donations is:
https://newtown.uwwesternct.org
Emilie Parker was killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. The group is seeking to assist the Parkers by setting up the Emilie Parker Memorial Fund.
The Facebook Account explains how to donate through American First Credit Union or PAYPAL
A local CT radio station is collecting new teddy bears to be given directly to students and families affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook.
Or send a new teddy bear to:
Clear Channel Media + Entertainment
10 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT. 06106
Sandy Hook School Support Fund:
The United Way of Western Connecticut, in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank, created the Sandy Hook School Support Fund to help provide support services to the families and community that are affected.
Check donations may be mailed to:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470
Ryan Kraft’s Fundraiser: Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund: http://www.crowdrise.com/SHSRelief
This is a fund started by a former Sandy Hook Elementary student to gather support for the victims, families, and all others affected locally by the tragic shooting on Dec 14th, 2012. The funds are directed to the school’s PTSA organization. Please help in any way you can.
Please, post your ideas for where to send money or link to other options.
