Mass shootings are sadly all too common in today’s society.  However, when it happens right in your area, it feels surreal – a traumatic experience for everyone involved. Whether you are directly impacted by the shooting or not, the shock and horror of such a violent event in a place you are familiar with and have visited can leave you feeling overwhelmed, terrified, and angry.

This is just a little bit of what some of us in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex feel after the most recent shooting at an outlet mall in Allen, TX on May 6, 2023.

While some of my friends marked themselves “safe” on social media sites, others anxiously waited to hear from loved ones. It is heartbreaking to realize that a mundane Saturday afternoon at the mall resulted in tragedy for so many families. Their lives are forever altered, and will never be the same.

What Do I Tell My Child?

It is hard enough dealing with our own emotions in the aftermath of a mass shooting, but if you have children it can be even more challenging.  How do you reassure them and answer their questions after a tragic event so close to home?  Here are some tips on how to talk to children after a mass shooting provided by Color me SAFE.

How Can I Help?

Channeling our feelings of fear and distress into helping the community heal can give us back some of the loss of control that we may feel after such a senseless tragedy. 

Here are some ways to help the victims and families affected by a mass shooting in your area, including those in Allen, TX:

1. Donate to a Victim’s Fund

One of the most direct ways to help victims is by donating to a fund that has been set up to assist them.  Research to find one that has been set up by a reliable organization or group and has a proven track record of providing support to victims. GoFundMe is a good place to start.

One such organization, VictimsFirst, is a platinum rated nonprofit that provides assistance and gives 100% of donations back to victims/survivors of mass casualty crimes, including mass shootings. They often create a location-specific victims fund in the immediate aftermath of a mass casualty crime. This ensures there is a secure place where the public can give 100% of their donations directly to victims.

Here is a verified GoFundMe by VictimsFirst for Allen, TX  that gives 100% to the families of the deceased and the wounded.  They are volunteer-driven and take no administrative fees.

2. Donate to Support Organizations

Find organizations that work to support those that have been affected by the tragedy. 

Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has established the Support for Allen Fund to collect funds that provide support for those who have been impacted by this tragedy. Gifts to this fund will be directed to local nonprofit agencies that are providing much needed resources and services. This includes agencies providing mental health, grief, and trauma support for the victims and their families, as well as first responders who may have been impacted by this event. Note: this fund will not provide direct payments to individuals.

3. Volunteer Your Time and Skills

Many local organizations that support mass shooting victims rely on volunteers to help with their work. Check the city’s websites for local organizations that are actively helping. You can offer your time and skills to assist with fundraising, event planning, outreach, or other tasks. Even small contributions of time can make a big difference.

4. Support Local Businesses

Mass shootings can have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those located near the site of the shooting. By supporting these businesses, you can help them recover from the economic impact of the shooting and promote a sense of community resilience.

5. Advocate for Change

Why mass shootings happen are often the result of a complex set of factors. Advocating for policy changes that address these issues can help prevent future shootings and promote a safer, more secure community.

6. Take Care of Yourself

While you are trying to help others and your community, it is essential to take care of your own mental health. This may mean seeking counseling, such as a free text-based service like Crisis Text Line, connecting with a support group, or taking time for self-care activities.

Helping Others to Heal

It is hard to believe that we live in a time where mass shootings are a tragic and difficult reality, no matter where we live. The grief that the families who have lost loved ones in these senseless acts is impossible for most of us to imagine. 

Sharing your compassion and kindness are a few ways to make a difference and help the impacted community. I have found that doing so not only promotes healing and recovery for others, but for me as well.