The Boston Bombings – How We Can Help

No recipe today, guys. I am aware that we stick mostly to the food around here, but I feel that I’d be horribly remiss if today’s post didn’t address Monday’s tragedy at the Boston Marathon.

I love Boston, and I have spent much more time there than someone who doesn’t live there ever should. I count many, many people who are integral to my world among its residents and natives. Sometimes it’s months or even years between jaunts up there, but every time I go back, I fall in love again. With the city itself, of course – the harbor, the history, the Citgo sign, the year-round Dunks iced coffee. But even more so, I fall in love again with the people. Despite a reputation for gruff and sometimes not-so-friendly exteriors (hey, you haven’t lived until you’ve been screamed at trying to navigate a narrow North End street), they’re also known as loyal-till-the-end, good people whose hardworking, honest roots are evident in their voices, their demeanors, but most of all in the way they help each other in times of crisis.

My heart has been there with them since the moment it first jumped into my throat Monday afternoon when I saw what had happened. As did many others, I spent the rest of the afternoon with my heart still in my mouth and my stomach in knots as I texted runner friends, spectators and volunteers, checked Facebook, and combed news stories for word on their safety. Thankfully, reports kept trickling in and ultimately all were accounted for throughout the evening, relatively safe and unscathed. But the friends, family members, and loved ones of so many others are not, and either never will be or won’t be for a long time. My heart breaks for them and the pain they’re enduring, now and going forward.

There is absolutely no doubt that the city of Boston will band together as it has done since the moment of the first blast, and as it always has, to pull through these dark days. They have already proven this, by running toward the explosions instead of away, by opening their homes to each other, by taking to the streets with food, supplies, and support, and they will continue to do so until every displaced runner has a roof over their head, and every relief worker has what they need to continue their work.  If you can’t be there with them (or even if you’re local), you may wonder, as I did, “What can I do to help?” Here are a few ways I’ve found, either online or fed to me by friends up there.*

• Greg Hill, a veteran Boston radio DJ, is directing all donations to his foundation (which was created in 2010 to respond to the immediate needs of families affected by tragedy) to victims of the bombings and their families. Go here to learn more and contribute. This is a well-known, beloved DJ and a reputable foundation. Here’s a link to his Twitter if you wish to follow his updates on the incoming gifts.
• Give blood. Yes, they have enough in Boston right now. But make an appointment in your own city to make sure they always have enough, too. Go here to find a donation opportunity near you.
• Donate to Boston Children’s Hospital, where several of the injured children are being treated.
• Help the family of the 8-year-old boy killed in the bombings by giving to the Richard Family Fund (via Meetinghouse Bank). Checks and money orders payable to The Richard Family Fund – mail to The Richard Family Fund, c/o Meetinghouse Bank, 2250 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124.
• Donate to the Boston First Responders Fund, set up by several Boston public services to receive donations for the victims and families. Make your contribution via the Boston Firefighters Credit Union.
• Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Thomas Menino announced the formation of One Fund Boston yesterday afternoon to raise money for victims and their families. Learn more and contribute here.
• For Boston locals: 40+ local restaurants will be donating 10-25% of their sales TONIGHT (Wednesday 4/17) to the Greg Hill Foundation. Contribute while you have dinner – go here to see a list of participating restaurants.
• UPDATE: Limbs for Life is a charity that provides prosthetics and prosthetic care to those who cannot afford it. Click here to learn more/donate in honor of the Boston victims who lost limbs.
• UPDATE: The Dropkick Murphys (a well-known Boston band – “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” anyone?) is selling this shirt, of which 100% of the proceeds will go to victims and families. View and buy it here.

Boston residents, marathon runners, volunteers, first responders, and anyone and everyone touched by this – our hearts and minds are with you. May the brightness and cheer that has long defined Patriot’s Day in Boston never again be darkened by terror and violence. Love, peace, and strength to you all.

*All funds and sources have been confirmed to be legitimate and reputable. If you know of other ways to assist, leave them in a comment or contact me via email (baked.in.blog AT gmail DOT com OR using the Contact form in the About menu at the top of the site). I will add any confirmed relief efforts to the post.