ST. LOUIS — A horrible shooting at a St. Louis high school Monday left two victims dead and many more with physical and emotional wounds.
Fifteen-year-old Alexzandria Bell and 61-year-old Jean Kuczka lost their lives in the shooting.
The lives of many others will never be the same.
Students, teachers, and the communities supporting Central Visual & Performing Arts High School and Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience will need time and resources to recover.
One way to help is to donate to visit two St. Louis area McDonald's locations. There will be a fundraiser from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday to help families who lost their loved ones at the following stores:
- 4620 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 63019
- 4979 Natural Bridge Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63115.
One of Kuczka’s students is an employee at the Kingshighway location, a St. Louis Public Schools spokesperson said.
About 20 percent of proceeds will go toward supporting the families and school communities.
Another way to support those impacted is by donating to the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation. They have set up a fund for those directly impacted by the tragedy.
People can select any donation amount and make a one-time contribution or ongoing support.
The SLPS Foundation was formed in 1998 as a "neutral vehicle" for funding for targeted and long-term improvements for the district.
Donations in excess of the need will go to "general health and wellness programming throughout District schools."
The SLPS Foundation has a 100 out of 100 rating on Charity Navigator.
Resources
As a result of the shooting, St. Louis-area students, teachers and parents may feel their mental health start to be affected, but they don't have to go through this alone.
There are several free resources available for those struggling.
For students, staff and families of CVPA, school counselors are available and will continue to avail themselves for as long as needed, according to St. Louis Public Schools.
The St. Louis Regional Health Commission is expanding the capacity of its Bullet Related Injury Clinic, which provides free support for patients in the hours and months after being discharged from the emergency department with a bullet injury.
The Ohel National Teacher Support Helpline offers teachers and school administrators free, confidential help navigating mental health and trauma-related issues for themselves and their students.
For anyone in need of immediate mental health support, Behavioral Health Response’s 24/7/365 Crisis Line and Youth Connection Helpline has a clinician available free of charge. Call 988, 314-469-6644 or 314-819-8802 (youth). Youth can also chat online at bhrstl.com or text BHEARD to 31658.
Compass Health Network's Behavioral Health Crisis Centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The centers serve those 18 and older who are dealing with a mental health crisis and are under- or uninsured. Those in crisis can also call toll-free at 888-237-4567.
Safe Connections helps break the barriers of silence and isolation after experiencing trauma. Call the Safe Connections Crisis Helpline at 314-531-2003. You can also text that number from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, free of charge.
YWCA Metro St. Louis is an advocate for safety, security and stability of women and children. Access immediate assistance by calling its 24-hour helpline at 314-531-7273.
Apotheosis Comics and Lounge is trying to create a sense of normalcy for kids. The week of the shooting, Apotheosis' Grand location will be giving every child that comes in a safe space and a free comic book.
The Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis offers a range of services for families, including a trauma-informed parenting group and short-term interventions immediately following trauma exposure.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Victim of Violence Program helps “curb the reoccurrence of interpersonal violence in the lives of children who have been shot, stabbed or assaulted, involved in domestic violence and Fit for Confinement evaluations.”