Florida

How to Help the Victims of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

At least 49 people were killed and more were wounded – the worst mass shooting in U.S. history

Support has been pouring in for the victims of the deadly mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, and their families.

A GoFundMe page set up by Equality Florida, the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, has already raised more than $1.5 million toward its goal of $2 million. The campaign raised $1 million faster than any other page in the history of GoFundMe, according the company vice president Dan Pfeiffer.

The money will be directed to the victims of Pulse Nightclub and their families.

"Funds raised on this page will be going directly to the victims and families affected by the horrific shooting at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub. Equality Florida is working with local organizations — who are also helping to raise funds — to ensure the money is distributed properly. Thank you for the support!" the page's administrators wrote.

At least 49 people died in the attack, when a Florida man opened fire on the packed club. He died in a shootout with police officers after taking hostages, authorities said.

Makeup artist Jeffree Star, who has a huge following on social media, apparently donated $20,000, which is listed on the page as the largest donation as of Sunday afternoon.

"For everyone donating and showing so much heartfelt love, it gives me hope. We have to stand together and BE HERE FOR EACH OTHER," he tweeted

The FBI has asked that anyone who was at the club with information call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

[NATL] Deadly Nightclub Shooting Leaves Orlando Reeling

The city of Orlando created a page that will list names of deceased victims: Cityoforlando.net/victims. The blood donation organization OneBlood had requested people in the area donate, but later tweeted that it was at capacity.

Anyone in the area can check into Facebook as safe using the social media site's Safety Check page.

The Better Business Bureau is offering a list of tips for those wishing to donate to victims of rampage and their families.

The BBB warns against donating to poorly managed or unregistered charities and those who do not identify the intended use of funds. Additionally, it cautions well-intending donors not to fall victim to common click-bate scams that lead internet users to websites that look like those of reputable organizations but force them to divulge extensive financial information or lure them to download malware.

Following the shooting at a Colorado movie theater in 2012, the BBB said some organizations raising money failed to get permission from victims' families to use names and photographs. Ensuring that the families' wishes are respected is important in the wake of tragedy, the BBB emphasized. Furthermore, funds set up by the families are often not created as charities and it is important to verify they are managed by a third party such as a bank and used for their intended purpose such as funeral or medical costs.

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