Boston Marathon Response Updates

Boston Cares offers our deepest sympathies for those affected by the events at the Marathon yesterday, and extend our gratitude for the strong sense of community that Boston has displayed these past couple of days.

We greatly appreciate the incredible response that we have received about getting involved in the aftermath of yesterday’s tragedy.

Firsthand accounts from members of the Boston Cares community and colleagues at the MA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reinforce the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officials, emergency responders, medical volunteers and Marathon volunteers who responded swiftly, heroically and effectively. We continue to hear stories of countless acts of kindness and bravery that helped people remain calm, and undoubtedly prevented further injuries or worse due to panic.

Ways to Connect and Stay Informed:

For those looking for a way to connect, or give back, we’ve provided a list of events and resources below.  We will continue to post opportunities as we learn of them here and through our Facebook page.

Many of you have heard by now of a local Dorchester family whose 8-year old son was killed by the explosion and whose mother and sister sustained serious injuries.  If you wish to support the Richard family, you can contribute directly to The Richard Family Fund at Meetinghouse Bank, 2250 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124.

Vigils and prayer services are being organized in areas around Greater Boston, including one this evening:

Boston Vigil on the Commons: 6:oopm-8:00pm at Parkman Bandstand

Our friends at Workbar are offering to house workers who cannot access their Boylston St addresses.  Workbar has free space, wifi, coffee and snacks.

Those seeking to connect with their family members can use these resources:

• Mayor’s Hotline: Call 617-635-4500
• Google Person Finder
• Park Plaza Open as Resource and Information Center

The City of Boston is asking anyone who has information, including video or camera images that might help in the investigation to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) & choose prompt #3. You can also email them at: Boston@ic.fbi.gov.

Follow the Boston Police on Twitter  for frequent updates.

American Red Cross Volunteering

Currently, the Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts is engaging their registered and previously trained volunteers in their relief efforts.  They have received an incredible amount of support in the form of volunteer blood donations and mobilization.

While the Red Cross is still on the scene, trained volunteers can sign up for opportunities via the Red Cross Volunteer Connection website.

At this time, volunteers can assist by giving blood. Click below to find out where you can give blood or register yourself as Safe and Well after yesterday’s events.

• Donate Blood for the American Red Cross
• After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind.  Register at Safe and Well.

 Be Informed, Build a disaster kit, Make a plan:

At this time, the best way for our volunteers to respond to this tragedy is to be prepared for future disasters – natural or man made.  Below are resources to help prepare yourself and your family, as well as opportunities to prepare to serve.

Resources for preparing yourself and your family for a disaster

• Good&Ready
• FEMA Readiness

Join the Boston Cares Disaster Action Response Team

The goal of D.A.R.T. is to train and engage volunteers in the basics of disaster preparedness, response and recovery. D.A.R.T. members further the Boston Cares mission by building the profile of volunteerism in the Greater Boston community, as well as by maintaining the relationships between Boston Cares and partnering disaster management agencies such as American Red Cross, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Boston Medical Reserve Corps. Click here for more information on our Boston Cares website.