How to Help in Orlando after this Weekend’s Attacks – OrlandoUnited, OrlandoStrong

Updated: 5:00pm 6/15/2016

“When something bad happens you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends who have been affected by last night’s tragic and terrible violence – our community is united in solidarity with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters in bringing love and compassion in the face of hatred.

In this moment where there is so much terrible loss, there has been a huge outpouring of response from the local Orlando community, trying to help and give back whether it is the thousands who lined up to donate blood or those who donated water and snacks to those waiting in line and the more who donated to help the victims and their families with medical costs.  This outpouring of love in the face of hate is what makes our City Beautiful.

Blood Donations

Right now, OneBlood is still in urgent need for O Negative, O Positive and AB Plasma blood donors – schedule calling 1.888.9.DONATE (1.888.936.6283)or visit oneblood.org. The GLBT Center and Zebra Coalition are offering counseling services for those who need it. The community can call the Zebra Coalition hotline at 407-228-1446 or 407-822-5036, and counselors will be on site at The Center at 946 N Mills Ave. You can also sign up to volunteer with the City of Orlando, here http://www.cityoforlando.net/blog/orlandounited-want-to-help-let-us-know/.

For more info, visit http://bungalower.com/2016/06/12/pulse-shooting-locals-need-know/

Volunteer

If you would like to help but unable to donate blood, volunteer at the United Against Poverty Orlando center just a few doors down from the main One Blood center on Michigan St https://www.facebook.com/uporlando/

City officials are asking for bilingual volunteers and mental health counsellors. Call 407-428-5870 or info@hispanicchamber.net to help

If you want to help, please bring the following to 511 Virginia Drive, The Venue. Water, Coffee, Snacks, Hand sanitizers, Rubber gloves , Paper towels, Toilet paper, Sunscreen, Amongst other things desperately needed! The LGBT Center or The Venue #OrlandoUnited

Donate Money to Local Victims Funds

If you are looking to donate, local groups created an official Go Fund Me page to raise money for the victims. This is the official one being managed by The Center, MBA, Hope and Help, Two Spirit Health, Zebra Coalition, Rollins. – https://www.gofundme.com/29bubytq

This is the official Pulse Victims Fund page for Equality Florida, the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. Equality Florida is collecting contributions via this GoFundMe page to support the victims of the horrific shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. Funds raised on this page will be going directly to the victims and families affected by the horrific shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub.  https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund

Orlando’s Food Community Gather Support

Already our local culinary community has come together as well to help give back.

Orlando Weekly – Orlando’s food community bands together in face of tragedy – http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/06/12/orlandos-food-community-bands-together-in-face-of-tragedy

Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide – Central Florida Culinary Community Comes Together in Response to Attack http://www.scottjosephorlando.com/news/3518-central-florida-culinary-community-comes-together-in-response-to-attack

Chuy’s Tex Mex, 4 Rivers, Talk of the Town Restaurans, Tijuana Flats, Quantum Leap Winery, Kona Ice, Vegan Hot Dog Cart, Old Hearth Bread Company, Swine and Sons, John and Shirley’s Catering, The Meatball Stoppe, are just some of the many many local Orlando businesses that have come together, often quietly, to donate to the YMCA, the LGBT Center, Zebra Coalition, and the blood banks.

Join Culinary Cares: In Support of Pulse Orlando – Facebook Group organized by Gary Appelsies, director of healthy eating for Central Florida YMCA to find out more on how to help. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1093866574005928/?fth=1

Sus Hi Eat Station, which recently opened a second location in Altamone Springs, announced that starting today through Saturday (June 18th), 100% of profits from both stores will be donated to the GoFundMe Pulse Victims Fund created by Equality Florida. #OrlandoStrong

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154189570997591&id=106618472590

K Restaurant is hosting a fundraiser tonight as part of their dinner service to help with a victim’s family costs.

“Join us tonite as a portion of our sales go to Cory’s family…..#prayfororlando
https://www.facebook.com/K-Restaurant-Wine-Bar-106618472590/?fref=nf
http://www.community-paper.com/2016/06/12/edgewater-grad-among-those-shot-at-pulse/

Orchid in Winter Park is accepting toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer.

Pincho Factory, which opened its doors in Dr. Phillips this past March will donate 15% of all sales from this week to support victims of the tragedy. “The city of Orlando embraced us in such an amazing way, we knew we had to do something to show our support,” says Pincho Factory co-owner Otto Othman. Effective immediately (June 13) through end of business Sunday, June 19, 2016 monies will be collected from all sales and donated to https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund, which launched shortly after news of the Pulse shootings broke. “You feel so powerless after something like this happens,” adds co-owner Nedal Ahmad. “We hope any money we raise will help those dealing with the aftermath of this terrible tragedy.”

For the first time 4 Rivers Smokehouse will open its doors on a Sunday in order to raise funds for the victims of the tragic shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub.
The 4 Rivers Winter Park location at 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave. will ?be open this Sunday, June 19, from 11 a.m. ­ 3 p.m. for dine­in and call­ahead orders.
Proceeds from the day will go toward the Pulse victims and families through the One Orlando Fund.

If you hear of any other ways to help our community, please leave a comment or send us an email at tastychomps@gmail.com.

#OrlandoStrong #OrlandoUnited