Boston Marathon Bombings: How You Can Help With Relief Efforts

It’s hard not to want to help when people go through tragedy.  Comedian Patton Oswalt posted a great message on Facebook yesterday about keeping our faith in humanity in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.  He said:

We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil.  We’d have eaten ourselves alive long ago.  So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, “The good outnumber you, and we always will.

If you’d like to be part of the good and help out the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombings, here are a few ways to get on board:

1. The Boston Police Department and FBI have asked for ANY photos, videos, or information from yesterday. They’re stressing that NOTHING is irrelevant. Reach the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or email them at Boston@ic.fbi.gov. There’s also a Boston Crime Tips Hotline at 800-494-8477.

2. The Boston Mayor’s hotline if you’re looking for a loved one is 617-635-4500. And both the Red Cross and Google have set up websites to help connect people with their friends and family in Boston.

3. It’s best to text people in Boston rather than call them. The cell towers there are overloaded, and it helps to keep them open for emergencies.

4. The Red Cross says they have enough blood and enough money to handle the crisis. Instead of donating blood now, wait for a few weeks or months. You can still donate money, but make sure you go to the source and watch out for scams.

5. Some marathon runners are stranded in Boston and in need of places to stay. Find out how you can offer housing here.

6. The Salvation Army is offering food, beverages and crisis counseling to survivors and first responders. Find out how you can get involved here.