What to do

I have heard/read various people asking, "What can we do?" in the aftermath of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

We feel especially helpless because, unlike a natural disaster where we can send money to E-RD or a variety of other agencies to provide shelter, clothing, food and other resources, there are no agencies that come immediately to mind after this unnatural disaster.

On the facebook page of a friend, that question was asked.  One of the responses caught my attention:  send a donation to the Rector's Discretionary Fund of the local Episcopal church.  There will be many unanticipated needs and expenses arising out of this tragedy for which the Rector can help defray -- funerals and counseling come immediately to mind.  As it turns out, there are two Episcopal churches in Newtown -- St. John's and Trinity.  A donation to either would be appreciated, I'm sure.

At this time, however, I will be strongly encouraging my parish to be making a donation to Trinity because I know that one of the victims, Benjamin Wheeler, was a parishioner there.

If you want to do likewise, you can send a donation to:

Trinity Episcopal Church
36 Main St.
Newtown, CT  06470

Memo your checks and/or enclose a note to the Rector's Discretionary Fund.