How Alpharetta, Milton Can Help Boston Marathon Victims

The entire country was rocked when news of the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon began appearing on various media outlets, including Patches in Massachusetts.

Now that the initial shock has worn off, many people around the country want to know what they can do to make life a little bit easier for people affected by the terrorist attack.

If you are not afraid of needles (and even if you are), the American Red Cross is in need of blood donations and financial donations for the 70,000 disasters the organization deals with on a yearly basis.

Alpharetta and Milton residents can visit their closest American Red Cross location, which is in on Old Alabama Road, to donate blood. Visit the American Red Cross website to make an appointment for a donation.

American Red Cross
Alpharetta Blood Donation Center
3000 Old Alabama Road

• April 18, 24 25 – Noon-7 p.m.
• April 19, 26 – 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• April 20, 21, 27, 28 – 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• April 22, 23, 29, 30 – 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

McGinnis Woods Country Day School
5368 McGinnis Ferry Rd
April 19 – Noon-5 p.m.

E*TRADE Financial Corporation
4005 Windward Plaza
April 30 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Please be aware that the Red Cross has stated that they have all the blood they need for the Boston Marathon victims at the current time, but are stressing that ordinary citizens can donate to the Disaster Relief Fund. This donation will help when floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes strike another area of the country.

Additionally, the Red Cross always needs blood to keep local blood banks filled for disasters that happen closer to home. Those with type O blood are especially encouraged to donate as often as they can. Please set up an appointment with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Other Ways to Donate Funds

If you feel compelled to give money to directly assist the various organizations working to help the people of Boston during this difficult time, there are many options available for you.

One Fund Boston has been established to help those most seriously affected by the bombing. Boston-based insurance firm John Hancock has already pledged to donate $1 million to the fund. Please follow this link to learn more about One Fund Boston and how to donate.

The Salvation Army has deployed canteen trucks to the Boston area to give aid to those dealing with the aftermath of the attack. Eight officers were deployed to various area hospitals to give spiritual support to victims. The Salvation Army has set up a Boston Marathon Relief fund and is accepting monetary donations.

Boston Children's Hospital is caring for some of the youngest victims of the attack. If you wish to stay updated on their condition, the hospital has a Twitter feed that provides information on all the young patients. Additionally, the hospital is accepting donations.

How are you planning to help the victims of the Boston Marathon attack? Tell us in the comments!