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As El Paso grieves, here's what you can do to help

By Kelly McCarthy, ABC News

People attend a vigil for victims of the shooting Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, in El Paso, Texas. A young gunman opened fire in an El Paso, Texas, shopping area during the busy back-to-school season, leaving multiple people dead and more than two dozen injured. (AP Photo/John Locher)

By Kelly McCarthy, ABC News

In the wake of a shooting in El Paso, Texas, that left 20 dead and dozens more injured, people wasted no time heading to blood donation centers and stood on line for hours for the chance to help.

But as El Paso recovers from the massacre that unfolded at a Walmart on Saturday, officials said that more help is needed.

Here are a few tips on what you can do to help those in El Paso who are dealing with a horrible tragedy, whether you are a local or just trying to help from afar.

Where to donate blood:

Vitalant, which has reached capacity for walk-ins, has asked those who want to donate to make an appointment at bloodhero.com or call 1-877-258-4825.

While more than 240 units have now gone out to the victims, all of our centers are currently at capacity. We can take no...

Posted by Vitalant - El Paso on Saturday, August 3, 2019

Vitalant has three locations that will be open Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

424 S. Mesa Hills Dr., 1338 N. Zaragoza Rd. and Abundant Living Faith Center at 1000 Valley Crest.

Additionally there is a blood donation center nearly 40 miles outside of El Paso at Las Cruces Mesilla Valley Mall located at 700 S Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011.

Victim Assistance:

The El Paso Community Foundation has set up an online fund to help those impacted by the shooting. The foundation said it will waive administrative fees and pay credit card fees associated with fundraising for the victims, and that it will work with the city of El Paso and the county to disburse funds.

The VA of El Paso urged any victims, or family of victims, who are veterans to call the Veteran Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Perches Funeral Homes will provide free funerals to the victims of the mass shooting. To learn more, call (915) 532-2101.

Operation Hope will be partnering with Sunset and Martin Funeral Homes to assist victim's families with funeral expenses, according to ABC News affiliate KVIA.

Other ways to donate:

The Pebble Hills Regional Command Center is accepting ice and water.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross has mobilized staff and volunteers and are working with local emergency officials in El Paso. Those looking to help can fund more information on the local chapter's website.

The City of El Paso also tweeted a link for those who would like to help by donating to the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation.

Cox Media Group

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