What was supposed to be a fun night of music and celebration turned into the most deadly mass shooting in modern U.S. history when a gunman killed more than 50 people and injured more than 500 more at the Route 91 Harvest Festival Sunday night on the Las Vegas Strip.
In the wake of the massacre, Las Vegans throughout the community have come together to help victims by donating blood and offering their time to help those in need. Many vigils have been planned throughout the community for residents to pay their respects to the victims. Below is a list of places to donate blood or volunteer time, along with vigils to attend.
Family members looking for missing persons can call 1-866-535-5654. The family reunification center is located at Metro Headquarters at 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. building B., and those looking to donate blood are encouraged to visit United Blood Services in Las Vegas at 6930 W. Charleston Blvd. or 4950 W. Craig Road, or in Henderson at 601 Whitney Ranch Drive.
MGM Resorts is in need of certified trauma counselors. Those looking to volunteer are asked to visit Circus Circus ballroom D, and ask for Tommy Gorbal for an assignment. MGM Resorts has also established crisis counselor phone lines at 702-836-6655 and 877-967-7711.
Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak launched a GoFundMe campaign on Monday with a $2 million goal. It has raised more than $1 million in eight hours. GoFundMe
Many vigils have been planned throughout the Valley Monday evening, so people can pay their respects to victims and gather together for support.
Community members are encouraged to bring water, snacks and packaged sanitary wipes, care packages or feminine products to the vigil at Sunset Park, beginning at 6 p.m.
Other vigils include:
Prayer vigil at City Hall, 495 S. Main St., 5 p.m.; Guardian Angel Cathedral interfaith prayer service, 5 p.m.
Candlelight vigil at UNLV, Pida Plaza, 7 p.m.
Candlelight vigil (flowers, candles, posters and signs encouraged), Sahara and Las Vegas Blvd., across from SLS and Walgreens, 6 p.m.
Prayer vigil, International Church of Las Vegas, 8100 Westcliff Drive, 6 p.m.
Route 91 Las Vegas Vigil for family, friends and neighbors, Town Square at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sunset, 6:30 p.m.
Vigil at Huntridge Circle Park, 1251 S. Maryland Parkway, 6 p.m.
Culinary 226 vigil, Guardian Angel Cathedral, 302 Cathedral Way, 5 p.m.
Additionally, a charity bike ride has been organized for Saturday, October 7 to support the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. Cyclists are encouraged to meet at Huntridge Tavern (1116 E. Charleston Blvd.) at 6 p.m. where they can donate directly to relief efforts or make appointments to donate blood.
Fremont Street casino the El Cortez is offering a free meal through Sunday, October 8, at Siegel's 1941 to all first responders and hospital workers with proof of employment. Israeli hamburger chain Burgerim (9635 Bermuda Road #190) is offering 50 percent off for all on-duty police officers, firefighters and paramedics, and all Southern Nevada Shake Shack locations are offering free food for police and first responders throughout the week.
Allegiant Air has encouraged victims of Sunday night’s shooting to write the airline at [email protected] for assistance with flights to and from Las Vegas.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas (2323 Potosi St.) is working with the Red Cross to provide food and resources to victims and has been delivering sack lunches to families at Sunrise Hospital and UMC. The charity is currently accepting nonperishable single-serving food items like bags of pretzels and chips, granola bars and bottled water.
A portion of all drink sales at Atomic Liquors will benefit the victims of the shooting on Wednesday, October 4 from 4 p.m. to midnight.
The Bunkhouse Saloon will collect blankets, water, snacks and non-perishable foods to deliver to blood banks today at 5 p.m.
