Community members are coming together to raise funds for the families of the two kindergarteners who were shot at Feather River Adventist School in Oroville Wednesday.
The victims are five and six years old. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office said both children are in critical condition though stable. They’re being treated at UC Davis Medical Center.
Roman Mendez, age 6, was shot twice in the chest and has undergone multiple surgeries. His twin brother also attends the school and witnessed the shooting.
Elias Wolford, age 5, was shot once in the chest and abdomen. The bullet pierced several internal organs and surgeries have been performed to stabilize his condition.
Both children face a long road to recovery.
Community members can support the victims, their families and the school in several ways.
The North Valley Community Foundation in Chico has opened a donation fund for the families of the two boys. The non-profit group, known for helping victims of wildfire, said 100% of the donations will be given to the families of the victims.
There are also local crowdfunding efforts underway.
The grandparents of Elias Wolford are raising funds for his medical treatment on Go Fund Me. A spokesperson from Go Fund Me told NSPR their fundraiser is verified.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is warning people to be cautious when donating to any unverified fundraisers.
“I would encourage everybody to be very thoughtful and very careful before they donate to an entity, and make sure that that entity, or that page, in fact, is going to go towards that,” Sheriff Kory Honea said.
The Sheriff’s Office did encourage people to attend a fundraiser Monday hosted by the South Side Community Center in Oroville. The Fundraiser is a Chili Buffet with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Several businesses in Oroville are also accepting donations that will be given to the families. Tiny Hinies on Montgomery Street and Mike’s Grande Burger on Olive Highway are two local businesses that are acting as drop off locations. The organizers suggest dropping off toys, cards of support and comfort items for the childrens’ families as they wait at the hospital.
NSPR verified with the local businesses that they are participating but has not yet been able to reach the organizer of the fundraiser.
At times like these, the support of the community can make a meaningful impact on the recovery process of the victims and their families. Any and all donations make a big difference.
