The community is coming together after five people were killed and several others were injured, including a Lakewood police officer, in a shooting rampage in Denver and Lakewood Monday night.
"This is the holiday season. To have this type of spree take place is not normal for our community," said Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen. "We cannot lose sight of the victims in this, the people that are still fighting for their lives, including a Lakewood agent."
Here's how you can help the victims:
Colorado Healing Fund
The Colorado Healing Fund (CHF) is collecting donations for those affected by the mass shooting. These funds go directly to the families of the deceased, the survivors and the greater impacted community, according to organizers.
People can donate to the fund through several ways:
- Online by visiting ColoradoHealingFund.org
- Donate through Colorado Gives and direct the donation to "Denver-Lakewood"
- Checks and in-person donations will be accepted at Colorado-based FirstBank locations. Donors should make checks out to "Colorado Healing Fund" and write "Denver-Lakewood" in the memo. When depositing the check with bank tellers, designate donations for the Colorado Healing Fund's victim account.
Donors can also host fundraisers and donate the proceeds to the CHF. If you do host a fundraiser, send an email to info@coloradohealingfund.org
GoFundMe
Several GoFundMe fundraisers have been created to help the victims and their families.
Alicia Cardenas, 44, was one of the two women killed at Broadway and 1st Avenue, which was where the string of shootings began. A GoFundMe has been created to support Alicia's 12-year-old child.
Alyssa Gunn-Maldonado was the second women killed at Broadway and 1st Avenue. Her husband was also shot. He was taken to the hospital and is currently in the ICU. A verified GoFundMe was created for the family to help with funeral costs, medical bills and support for the couple's son.
A third verified GoFundMe was created for Sarah Steck, who was working as the hotel clerk at the Hyatt House in Lakewood Monday night when the suspect entered the hotel and shot her multiple times. She died on Tuesday.
A fourth verified GoFundMe is now in place for Danny Scofield, who was killed at Lucky 13 Tattoo in Lakewood.
Lakewood Agent Ashley Ferris has been identified as the hero officer who shot and killed the rampage gunman. She was shot in the abdomen before returning fire. A GoFundMe has been created to help with her recovery expenses.
Other comunity help
The Lakewood Police Department is setting up a resource center in Belmar for all those impacted by the shootings. The resource center will be located across from the Hyatt House in a building that reads "Core Cycling and Wellness."
The center will be open Thursday, Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Trauma resources and mental health therapists will be available to the public.
The Hornet, located in the historic South Broadway district at 76 Broadway, is showing their support for Sol Tribe by donating 56% of total sales from Thursday to Sol Tribe. Donations can be made by dining in or with to-go orders.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update this article with ways you can help the victims, their families and the community.