'United for Waukesha:' Community fund, other ways you can help
WAUKESHA, Wis. - After tragic incidents like what unfolded at the Waukesha Christmas Parade, people in southeast Wisconsin seek ways to help those in need. Below is a variety of ways you can help and get involved in the process of healing.
United for Waukesha Community Fund
The Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County have joined together to create the "United for Waukesha Community Fund." The fund will support the needs of the families impacted from the tragic incident at the annual Waukesha Christmas Parade.
Anyone who wishes to show their support can do so by visiting the donation page.
Fotsch Family Foundation matches donations
The Fotsch Family Foundation will match donations to the "United for Waukesha Community Fund," up to $1 million, for any donation given Monday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Dec. 4, a news release says. Learn more about this effort.
Friends and Family Resource Center
For those directly affected by Sunday's tragedy, there will be a Friends and Family Resource Center located at the Carroll University Campus Center Ballroom. The Resource Center will provide mental health services, a lunch meal, as well as other resources for victims and some members of the community.
Location
Carroll University
100 N. East Ave., Waukesha
Hours
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Details about the Friends and Family Resource Center are available here.
Additional resources are available to the community from NAMI Southeast Waukesha, or anyone can contact 800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor.
The Waukesha County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program is also available to support victims and can be contacted at help4victims@da.wi.gov.
Country Christmas in Pewaukee
As a member of the Waukesha community, The Ingleside Hotel wants to help. This weekend marks the opening of the 25th anniversary of Country Christmas. The Ingleside Hotel will donate $5 per every regular-priced carload admission for the entire opening weekend, Nov. 26-28, to the United for Waukesha Community Fund.
For Country Christmas hours, rates or additional information, you are invited to visit thecountrychristmas.com.
Landmark Credit Union
Landmark Credit Union has partnered with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the Waukesha Community Foundation. They are now accepting cash and check donations to the United for Waukesha Community Fund at all branch locations.
Branch locations can be found here: landmarkcu.com/branches-atms. 100% of all donations will go into the fund.
K-9 plush dogs for sale (SOLD OUT FOR NOW)
Waukesha County Sheriff Department will be selling K-9 plush dogs with 100% of the net sales donated to the United for Waukesha Community Fund,.
Officials say each dog is $20 and can be purchased at the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department with cash. They hope to soon have the ability to accept credit cards.
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GoFundMe pages
GoFundMe is being used as a platform for collecting funds for victims of the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy. They have created a single page to host all of the efforts or you can view the GoFundMe posts below.
Waukesha Strong t-shirts, sweatshirts
The Alliance for Education believes it is important to support the Waukesha Community. On their website, Waukesha Strong t-shirts and sweatshirts are being sold. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Waukesha Community Foundations fund.
Blood donations needed
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is extending hours at its metro-Milwaukee donation centers. On Nov. 23, 24, and 26, seven area locations will open additional hours to accommodate those in our community who are rolling up their sleeves to answer the call for lifesaving blood donations.
All blood types are needed, with type O positive and O negative most in demand. O positive is the most common blood type, while O negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is not known.
Donors are encouraged to visit a Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin donor facility nearest to them and make an appointment:
- GREENFIELD: 7210 W. Edgerton Avenue
- KENOSHA: 8064 39th Avenue
- MILWAUKEE: 638 North 18th Street
- RACINE: 1120 S. Sunnyslope Drive
- WAUKESHA: 2111 Springdale Road
- WEST BEND: 130 Valley Avenue
- WAUWATOSA: 8733 Watertown Plank Road
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO or visit Versiti online at versiti.org/WI. As center staff serves donors responding to this urgent need, wait times may increase.
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Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.
Disaster Distress Hotline
Many people witnessed traumatic events on Sunday. If you need to talk to someone, you can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor - they are available 24/7. Only call 911 for emergencies.
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers - Waukesha clinic
The Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers - Waukesha clinic is an available resource to anyone needing medical or behavioral health services now and in the future. Our Waukesha clinic serves adults and children of all ages.
Nearly 15% of Waukesha residents are Hispanic. To help serve this population, we have several bilingual (English, Spanish) medical and behavioral health clinicians. We also never turn anyone away who needs our care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Anybody feeling emotional distress and seeking support can contact us to connect with our behavioral health services. We’re here to help the community get the support they need – when they need it most.
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers - Waukesha
309 E. North Street
Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: 414-897-5191 (to make behavioral health appointments only)
Clinic hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Children's Wisconsin Helpline
Mental and Behavioral Health Helpline, 414-266-6500, to assist parents with some of the feelings they and their children might be experiencing.
Mental health resources
If you are in need of mental health help, there are multiple places to seek that type of assistance, free of charge. They include:
- IMPACT 2-1-1
- Milwaukee County mental health crisis line - 414-257-7222
- Milwaukee County Children’s Mobile Crisis Team - 414-257-7621
- Milwaukee County Resource & Referral Line - 414-257-7607