The United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd (UWMRF), created the United in Caring Fund the day after the April 16 shootings to aid families of Virginia Tech victims.
“The community and Tech are so enmeshed that the tragedy affected both,” said Stephanie Graham, the director of community resources. “So, we created the fund to help meet the unmet needs of the victims’ families through community support.”
The fund will offer assistance with travel expenses, funeral arrangements, counseling fees, phone bills, etc.
Families can receive up to $1,000 to be used at their discretion in the first distribution by calling the executive director of United Way, Kymn Davidson-Hamley.
Funds to date total approximately $190,000, based off received donations and pledged contributions. There will be no cut-off date for donations to the fund.
“This is all new to us because it’s the first time something like this has happened in our area,” Graham said. “We are aware that the long-term needs of these families will continue to go on for years and United Way will continue to offer assistance.”
A committee made up of community volunteers will meet to develop long-term strategies to continue to meet the needs of the families. Committee members include volunteers from the Ministerial Association, Virginia Tech Administration, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office, American Red Cross, the Mental Health Association and United Way, community leaders, as well as two Tech students.
“Our thoughts remain with the victims, their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy,” Davidson-Hamley stated in a press release. “After such unimaginable loss, what matters is the healing. United Way is here for the victims, their loved ones and the entire community. We will be here to support the community’s recovery.”
The funds are expected to be distributed in multiple phases. For more information on distribution and donations, visit www.unitedwaynrv.org.