Resources, ways to help those affected by the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy

By: Jenna Graham

Posted: Nov 22, 2021 5:07 PM CDT | Updated: Nov 25, 2021 3:52 AM CDT

NOW: Resources, ways to help those affected by the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Waukesha community is grieving after an SUV sped through the city's Christmas parade Sunday evening, Nov. 21, killing six people and injuring 62 others.

If you've been personally impacted by this event, or would like to offer assistance to those affected, take a look at the following resources and opportunities to help.

Resources for those seeking help:

Several free mental health resources are available 24/7, including:

IMPACT 2-1-1
Milwaukee County Mental Health Crisis Line: 414-257-7222
Milwaukee County Children's Mobile Crisis Team: 414-257-7621
- Free for children and adolescents up to age 23 seeking assistance via phone or having a resource meet them in the community
Milwaukee County Resource & Referral Line: 414-257-7607
- Free for children and adolescents up to age 23 seeking resources or support
The Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Available 24/7, call or text
Children's Wisconsin Mental & Behavioral Helpline: 414-266-6500
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers: 414-897-5191 (for behavioral health appointments)
- Provides both medical and behavioral health services to adults and children. The health center has several bilingual clinicians, and no one is turned away, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The Waukesha clinic is located at 209 E. North Street.

The Humane Animal Welfare Society welcomed community members in need of pet-assisted comfort to their main shelter in Waukesha on Wednesday, Nov. 24. They will host a second opportunity on Tuesday, Nov. 30 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Those attending may bring a book or blanket to relax with while petting the dogs.

For parents or guardians of children in attendance or otherwise impacted by the Christmas parade, the School District of Waukesha has provided the following resources:

Children's Wisconsin also shared several resources for talking to kids about trauma. Additional material from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the Child Mind Institute can be found here.

Waukesha schools will remain closed until Monday, Nov. 29, however the school district provided counselors for students and staff on Tuesday, as well as meals for residents to pick up.

Police say items such as chairs and blankets that were left on the parade route will be available for pickup at the Park, Recreation and Forestry Department (1900 Aviation Drive) on Monday, Nov. 29 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday will be the final day to pick up the items.

What you can do to help:

Monetary donations

Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County have joined together to create the United for Waukesha Community Fund to support the families impacted by the parade.

Anyone who wishes to show their support can do so by visiting the donation page.

In addition, several verified GoFundMe pages have been created for victims and families involved in Sunday's parade.

North Shore Bank is assisting the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies in collecting donations for group members and family members impacted by the Christmas parade. Cash or check donations can be made through the drive-up, video tellers and lobbies at all 45 bank offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Blood donations

Another way to help is by rolling up your sleeve.

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin has extended its hours at metro-Milwaukee donations centers in wake of the tragic events in Waukesha.

On Nov. 23, 24 and 26, seven area locations will open additional hours to accommodate those stepping up to provide donations. Versiti says all blood types are needed, with type O positive and O negative most in demand.

Donors are encouraged to visit a Versiti Blood Center facility and make an appointment today:

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, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO or visit Versiti online.

Fundraisers

Several fundraisers have been planned to benefit the victims and their families.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department is selling plush K-9 dogs for $20 a piece. 100% of the net profits will be donated to the United for Waukesha Community Fund. The department will host a Dogs for Dogs event on Nov. 27, with hot dogs, chips, soda and a limited number of K-9 plush dogs available for sale. The event will take place at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson Oconomowoc from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Avalon Graphics is selling yard signs with the Waukesha [broken heart] logo, with 100% of sales benefiting the United Way and Waukesha County Community Foundation fund.

The Brewers Community Foundation will donate $10 for each car that goes through the Magic of Lights holiday display Nov. 24-26. American Family Insurance and Magic of Lights will match this up to $10,000, benefiting the United for Waukesha Community Fund.

The Ingleside Hotel will donate $5 to the United for Waukesha Community Fund for every regular-priced car admission to the Country Christmas outdoor lights display Nov. 26-28.

Culver's of Waukesha pledged to donate 50% of sales made on Wednesday, Nov. 24, to the victims and their families.

Coast Car Washes will donate all sales from their Waukesha, Pewaukee and West Allis locations Wednesday, Nov. 24, to families of the victims.

Chondro Guitars in Waukesha will be auctioning off a signed Jeff Loomis Pro on eBay along with a few other guitars. All of the profits will go toward this cause.

Bosco's Social Club will donate 50% of proceeds Nov. 26-28 to the United for Waukesha Community Fund.

The Craft Lounge will host a Thanksgiving potluck on Nov. 25 with several silent auction benefiting those in need.

Vintage Grounds in Muskego is offering a free coffee to anyone who donates to the Salvation Army of Waukesha through Nov. 25.

Steny's Tavern will donate $5 from each sale of Steny's clothing, Bloody Mary growlers, and every $25 spent on gift cards, to the United for Waukesha Community Fund. This fundraiser will run from Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 28.

The Coop will donate all proceeds on Friday, Nov. 26 to the Waukesha County Community Foundation. The restaurant is located at 350 Delafield Street in Waukesha.

Fredrick's Hallmark's two Waukesha locations will donate 10% of sales on Nov. 27 to the Waukesha Community Fund.

Oak Barrel Public House will host a fundraiser starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 benefiting the victims of the parade. Sales will go toward the families of the victims.

Champps Brookfield will donate 100% of money raised from $25 gift card purchases to the United for Waukesha Community Fund. The restaurant aims to donate $10,000 by selling 400 cards.

John's Drive-In root beer stand will donate 100% of sales on Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., to the Waukesha Foundation.

Pizza Ranch will hold a fundraiser for the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies on Dec. 3. 50% of all sales and tips will be donated -- lunch dinner, and carry out sales included. The community and the Milwaukee Grannies will also have the opportunity to set up table at the Pizza Ranch to outline how the proceeds will be used or how to honor the members of the group lost.

Waukesha Masonic Lodge will host a pancake breakfast Saturday, Dec. 4. $5 donations are suggested for the United for Waukesha Community Fund.

Paws for a Moment will donate 100% of cat and dog nail trim services on Dec. 4 to the United for Waukesha Community Fund. No appointment is needed. A $15 donation is suggested.

The Saloon on Calhoun is planning a fundraiser to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 14. All funds raised will go directly to Waukesha families and businesses affected by the parade tragedy.

Waukesha Skateland will host a benefit on Dec. 15. 100% of admission fees and silent auction funds will be donated to the United for Waukesha Community Fund.

Vigils & community gatherings

A vigil was held at The Rotunda in Waukesha on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Hosted by Chabad of Waukesha, community members were asked to pledge to committing random acts of kindness in the wake of this tragedy.

Life's Connection Waukesha has planned a candlelight vigil beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 at Veterans Park.

Contributions to this story also made by: CBS 58 Newsroom