Thousand Oaks Mayor Andrew Fox said blood donations are needed after several people were killed and wounded in a mass shooting at a bar in the city Wednesday night.
“We do need blood donations,” Mayor Andrew Fox said, saying it’s “urgent” as local hospitals continue treating the wounded.
Twelve people were killed, including Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus during the shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill. Authorities believe the suspected gunman, Ian David Long, fatally shot himself.
Here’s how to help victims:
Blood drive:
- La Reina High School, 106 W Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks. Hundreds of people lined up to donate blood Thursday, and potential donors were encouraged to make appointments in advance.
- A donation site is also open at Best Western/Thousand Oaks Inn at 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. It’s important to register online before going to any location to donate. PLEASE visit and register at www.vitalant.org for information regarding where you may go to donate blood Thursday and Friday
More than 200 people waited to participate in a blood drive at La Reina High School. The line extended out of the school parking lot, stretched down the street and wrapped around the block, school officials said.
The school had previously scheduled the blood drive on campus, but shifted its focus to gathering blood donations specifically for Wednesday night’s shooting.
People brought snacks — pizza, doughnuts, fruit and water — for those in line. Many said they’d waited three or more hours to give blood and give back to their community in a time of need.
Ventura County Community Foundation donations:
The foundation is accepting donations for victims.
“While the horror washes over all of us, many of you from around the region and around the country are leaping into action to support the victims, families and organizations providing first and second line support,” the website reads.
Thank you for your care and concern. Please direct all donations to https://t.co/d6UVLmDyBh to ensure that they go directly to the families.
— City of Thousand Oaks (@CityofTO) November 8, 2018
GoFundMe page
The Rotary Club of Westlake Village started a GoFundMe page for victims of the mass shooting.
“This fundraiser is meant to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of this tragic Thousand Oaks mass shooting,” the page reads.