It has been nearly a week since the devastating mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Police confirmed this week that three additional children were injured, bringing the total number of victims to 21—18 children and three adults. Two children, Fletcher Merkel (8) and Harper Moyski (10), lost their lives.
As families, neighbors, and communities continue to grieve, many are asking how they can help. Below are verified, tangible ways to support victims, their families, and the broader Minneapolis community—along with resources for healing and opportunities to advocate for change.
Photo by Tim Evans/Reuters
Donate to Relief Funds
- Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund: Established by the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota to directly support the church, school, and families. Donate here. You can also text ACF1 to 41444 to donate to the Minneapolis Foundation.
- GoFundMe Campaigns: Verified pages are raising funds for medical care, recovery, and funeral costs for children and families directly impacted.
- You can support patients and families by contributing to the HCMC’s pediatrics wish list—which helps Child Life specialists provide games, movies, puzzles, and art supplies for kids—or by donating to Hennepin Healthcare’s Annual Fund, which supports services like Care Carts, children’s literacy, emergency clothing, lodging, food, transportation, and medical expenses.
- Uvalde Foundation for Kids: Providing national financial support for the families of Fletcher and Harper.
Give Blood
Minnesota hospitals used a “pretty substantial” amount of blood to treat victims, and the state is already experiencing a critical shortage.
- Memorial Blood Centers: Find a donation site.
- American Red Cross: Schedule a donation.
Support Community Healing
- The City of Minneapolis has opened a Neighborhood Community Support and Resource Center offering mental health services, spiritual care, therapy animals, and support for families.
- A memorial honoring the victims of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting has been created at Lyndale Ave. S and W 54th St., where community members are leaving flowers and messages to remember the two children lost and all those impacted.
- Interna Mental Health & Wellness is offering free emergency therapy services to anyone impacted by the Annunciation Catholic School shooting. To be connected with a therapist, email info@internamentalhealth.com.
- Mental Health Minnesota offers volunteer opportunities ranging from supporting its youth peer support line and Mental Health Helpline to one-time and occasional ways to serve the community.
Help Kids Process Tragedy
For parents and caregivers, talking with children about violence can feel overwhelming.
- NAMI Minnesota has created resources on how to talk to kids about school shootings.
- A thoughtful column by the Star Tribune’s Laura Yuen also explores these conversations.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers ample resources, including fact sheets to help create a supportive environment during difficult times.
- Minneapolis officials have shared these 24/7 resources: Family Response and Stabilization Service (612-979-9511); Cope Mobile Crisis Response in Hennepin County (612-596-1223); the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988); and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741 or AYUDA for help in Spanish).
Advocate for Change
The grief in Minneapolis echoes national calls for action. If you feel moved to push for change:
- Contact your state lawmakers about gun safety and school security legislation. Find your legislator here.
- Call or email your U.S. Senators and Representatives to voice support for federal measures. Find contacts here.
