How you can help the Knoxville Unitarian victims

by elrod, Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 07:28:01 PM EST

I just wanted to alert people to the Knoxville Relief Fund. The injured will require long-term medical care. Fortunately, the medical statuses of some of the victims has been upgraded. Tammy Sommers, a friend of mine who was shot in the head and was in critical yesterday yesterday has been updated to serious condition. She is now responding to verbal cues. We are all relieved that her status is improving.

But there will be a lot healing - physical, psychological and spiritual - that we will need to undertake. Last night's beautiful candlelight vigil was a great start. But now we need financial support to help defray the costs of this terrible tragedy. Medical care and psychological counseling are expensive. And there are dozens of children who witnessed this awful event and will need care for quite some time.

We have been blessed so far with support from so many corners. Here in Knoxville people of all faiths have expressed their condolences and support. The First Baptist Church of Knoxville held a wonderful ecumenical service today in support of TVUUC. Reverend Shiel of First Baptist held the service to "unite the Christian community in support of the Unitarian community." Other denominations in East Tennessee have been pledging support for us and we deeply appreciate it.

Also, if you wish to support the ideals of TVUUC, consider donating to one of our church's local causes. For further information, check the TVUUC website, or check in with East Tennessee's great progressive blog, Knox Views for more.

If you are unable to give, please forward the Knoxville Relief Fund site or the local East TN sites on to those who can.

We here at TVUUC deeply appreciate all the sympathy, prayers and support from around the world, regardless of faith tradition.




Tags: Unitarians, Knoxville (all tags)

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Re: How you can help the Knoxville Unitarian (none / 0)

Thoughts, prayers and an abundance of sympathy from mine to yours.

Thank you for the info.


by Kysen on Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 07:34:52 PM EST

Re: How you can help the (2.00 / 1)

Erod, thanks for pointing out how we can help. My sympathy and all my best wishes are with you at this time.


by linfar on Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 07:46:13 PM EST

Re: How you can help the Knoxville Unitarian victi (none / 0)

 Let each and every member of the church, the members of the community and neighboring communities know that I share my prayers, thoughts, and hopes that no more will die from the effects of this act of hate, or develop permanent visible or invisible scars. I will definitely pass on the link to Knoxville Relief fund. May all the seeds of hate be salted and silenced.


by Jeter on Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 08:39:35 PM EST

Give Tammy a hug for me when you see her again (2.00 / 1)

and have someone hug you as well.  No-one admits to themselves their own injuries, but you should allow yourself some recognition of the shock to your system.  Heck, I need a hug just reading this.

Another thought that you and your church may want to consider that could help you all in your healing.  The family of the shooter could probably use hugs, too.  The Amish taught us all a lesson after that horrible incident last year.  The family of this poor deranged soul are victims, too, and less likely than anyone to find help and solace.  You may want to consider reaching out to them as a community.

Take care of yourself and your friends.  Thanks for letting us know how we can help.

-chris


Motley Moose: Progress Through Politics
by chrisblask on Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 11:28:31 PM EST

Now here is a diary (2.00 / 1)

that should be on the rec list.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 02:50:20 AM EST


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