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How to help victims of the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy

remembering the victims
Posted at 8:08 AM, Nov 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-12-09 20:55:55-05

WAUKESHA — Here are the ways that you can help the victims and their families of the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy.

United For Waukesha Community Fund

The Waukesha County Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County have partnered to create the "United for Waukesha Community Fund."

The money raised will help the families impacted by Sunday evening's horrific events. Click here to donate.

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Donate blood

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is extending its hours at metro-Milwaukee donation centers in response to the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.

All blood types are needed and type O positive O negative are the most in demand.

"O positive is the most common blood type, while O negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is not known," Versiti said.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, seven area locations will be open additional hours. Below are where donors can make an appointment:

· 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, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO or visit Versiti online by clicking here. You must be 17 or older in good health to be eligible. Parental consent is required for donors who are 16. Officials say donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

Waukesha South Band GoFundMe

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Waukesha South Band. Multiple members of the band were hit by the car while they were performing at the parade.

Part of the GoFundMe said: "This traumatic event has brought our community together with heavy hearts. We are looking to help the South band with medical costs, new instruments, and uniforms, as well as any additional expenses that they may encounter due to this horrific event. Please donate what you can. We are one band family."

Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team

Another GoFundMe was created for the Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team. According to the fundraiser, multiple members of the team have been injured. The money will go to covering medical bills and new uniforms.

"We have many dancers injured in the Waukesha Holiday parade from our mini team to our Elite team, by a senseless driver on Nov 21, 2021. These donations will help the families towards their medical bills, new costumes and any other items that were lost," the GoFundMe page said.

GoFundMe has created an official landing page for anyone who wants to be directed towards fundraiseres for the victims of the parade.

Around 4:30 p.m. a car drove through the annual downtown Christmas parade killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others. Both adults and children were among the victims. Police have said that Darrell Brooks, 39 from Milwaukee, is the lone suspect in the case. Officials are referring 5 counts of first degree intentional homicide to the district attorney's office.

A vigil has also been scheduled for 5 p.m. at Cutler Park in downtown Waukesha.

Sparks family GoFundMe

A GoFundMepage was created for Aaron and Sheri Sparks who have been impacted by the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy.

Two of the Sparks' children, 12-year-old Tucker and 8-year-old Jackson, are now at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

"Tucker, is recovering, but sustained road rash and a fractured skull," the GoFundMe says. "They are closely monitoring his head and spine. He is stable at this time. Jackson, age 8, underwent brain surgery on Sunday evening. Doctors will be testing for brain function and brainstem activity today (Monday). He needs a miracle."

The page says the family is facing medical expenses and time away from work.

"Any donation, large or small, is so appreciated and will make a big difference to the Sparks family," the page says. "Aaron and Sheri are people of faith, so please continue to lift them and their boys in prayer. Even if you're not able to give, please share their story."

Jane Kulich GoFundMe

Jane Kulich, 52, was one of the victims who died during the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy. A GoFundMe has been created for Kulich's family.

"One of those lives is that of Jane," the page says. "A loving, beautiful and charismatic mother, grandmother and friend to so many. The world is a much darker place without a woman like this in the world."

Perales family GoFundMe

Lucero Perales started a GoFundMe page for his family.

"My family was part of the parade with the Waukesha catholic group," the page says. "They got hit directly by the car, and are currently in the hospital. My uncle broke his leg and had to go into a 6 hour urgent surgery and is in intensive therapy. One of my cousins received skull fractures and is currently in a coma , and my older cousins is pretty bruised all over her body."

All donations will go directly to help with hospital bills.

Laughrin family GoFundMe

The Laughrin family has a GoFundMepage set up after their family member, Aidan, a senior at Waukesha South High School, was hit during the Waukesha Christmas parade.

The page says Aidan was with the marching band.

"Aidan was rushed to the hospital to be treated. He suffered fractured ribs, severe bruising and stitches. This is not the way a family should enter their holiday season," the page says.

Tamara and her family GoFundMe

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Tamara, who is the leader of the Milwaukee dancing grannies. Tamara was injured after being struck during the Waukesha Christmas parade.

"She is very lucky to be here today," the page says. "Due to this accident she will be put out of work at at least 6 months due to multiple injuries . I am asking that anyone who can help, help. She has a long recovery ahead of her before she can get back on her feet. Any donation is very appreciated by Tamara and her family."

Waukesha Christmas Parade Victim, Julia

Julia was in the parade with her dance team. She was struck by the car and ended up in the hospital. Her family has set up a GoFundMe for her.

"Julia has suffered brain trauma and is currently in the ICU at Children's Hospital. Any donation, large or small, will help the family with medical bills and time away from work. All proceeds will go directly to the family."

Uncle Bucks collecting donations

Uncles Bucks on Third Street in downtown Milwaukee will be collecting donations for the victims and their families.

On Wednesday, anyone who comes to Uncle Bucks from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. and gives a cash donation, Uncle Bucks will match that donation dollar up to $1,000.

Officials say 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to the families affected by the tragedy.

Landmark Credit Union accepting donations

Landmark Credit Union says they have partnered with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the Waukesha Community Foundation.

Beginning Tuesday, the bank is accepting cash and check donations to the United for Waukesha Community Fund at any of its branch locations. Officials say 100 percent of all donations will go into the fund.

Landmark Credit Union has also made a $25,000 contribution to the fund.

MKE Dancing Grannies Parade Tragedy Relief

Multiple members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies team and one volunteer died during the massacre. They have set up a GoFundMe to help the victim's and their families. Donations for the group can also be made at any North Shore Bank location.

"Donations collected will benefit the families of the Dancing Grannies who lost their lives, as well as assist with medical bills for those who were injured."

Replace Waukesha South's Sousaphone

This fundraiser is to replace the sousaphone that was destroyed, but protected a student, during the Waukesha Christmas parade, according to the GoFundMe page.

The fundraiser was created by Mark Mueller, a tuba player and an alumni of Waukesha schools.

It is presented on behalf of the University of Wisconsin Tubas, both alumni and current, and their families and friends working together.

Connor Waukesha South Band

Connor is a freshman who was marching with the Wauksha South High School when he was impacted by the tragedy. He has suuffered multiple fractured ribs, vertebrae, and a broken ankle at hte growth plate.

You can help Connor and his family by clicking here.

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