Sandy Hook Elementary - Victims Relief Fund set up by former SHS student and Lanza family neighbor

Michael M. December 16, 2012 at 05:25 pm

Hi Ryan,
I am starting a collection of art supplies to be distributed to all elementary kids in Newtown and was wondering if there is a proper place that is accepting donations? My thoughts and prayers with you all. Michael Macri

Newtown mom December 16, 2012 at 07:19 pm

Ryan, that is excellent!! In addition to your great ideas on how to use the funds, I would love to see a cash donation to each family.... to allow perhaps a mom or dad to take off from work for a few weeks or to help ease their minds in terms of bills or even they might put it aside for their family to get away on a little trip next summer.

Mary B. December 17, 2012 at 04:38 am

The counseling center set up at Reed Intermediate School needs to replenish art supplies. The will be open after 7am Monday morning. Looking for flat sheets of felt - all colors, holiday craft kits, small (4 -5 ") round styrofoam balls. Not sure what you have but am sure it will be appreciated.

Mary B. December 17, 2012 at 12:25 pm

Also play doh, kids scissors, small jars of paint.

Michael M. December 17, 2012 at 03:20 pm

Hi Mary B.
So far I have collected Crayola sets of markers, crayons and coloring books. I also have large quantities of 9x12 sheets of paper... I'm expecting more of similar items in the coming days - would this be accepted? Thanks for the response.

Ashley Alcott December 19, 2012 at 05:31 pm

Anyone looking for a way to help the families that were affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary should consider attending the benefit dinner I am hosting along with some of my fellow Quinnipiac students. It will be on January 3, 2013 at 7:00pm at Woodwinds in Branford. All proceeds will go to Newtown Youth and Family Services to help the affected families cover the cost of grief counselling. More information and tickets can be found at www.hopeforsandyhook.com

brian m January 6, 2013 at 10:40 pm

Ryan, I have searched and tried to find a way to contact you directly. Our fund is receiving several checks made out to your relief fund that we cannot deposit in good faith, and perhaps you're receiving some to ours as well (although you may be 100% online). Please go to our site at www.newtownmemorialfund.org and use the contact us form page or the email address listed there and our volunteers will direct your email to me, so that we can work out how to get your fund all these checks made out to your fund. Thank you. Brian Mauriello, Founder, Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc.

Jonathan Walz February 24, 2013 at 08:13 pm

Where are these funds really going? I don't understand why SHS needs a relief fund when all the victims (less family and friends) are already in heaven where it doesn't cost anything to live. Please note that I know all too well the loss of a child as I too lost a son years ago. Granted it's nothing that can be brushed under the rug, it's not a feeling that can be washed away with any word one person or thousand people might have to say and it takes many years to even begin to spell out the word healing. It's when I see people on television trying to capitalize on a horrible disaster or horrible loss of a life that a questions their integrity in my mind.
It just seems so wrong that all these funds are being snatched up and who knows if someone might be taking advantage of the situation, the tragedy and the loss of each of these victims. If I'm wrong for speaking out, please feel free to correct me and if I owe anyone an apology please accept it and I'll explain after the fact. My words are not to hurt anyone because the pain has only just begun as it comes back every holiday, every anniversary, every birthday and every time you think of the ones you love that are no longer with us here on earth but instead, in a much better place. Granted, I know that's a difficult pill to swallow and it took me over five years to speak with anyone about my loss our loss. God bless you all.