How To Donate To Boston Victims Today

The city is once again staging its world-famous, elite marathon, but the memories of three years ago still reverberate through the city. Friday marks the third anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured 264. After the bombings, support poured in from around the world and around the country — and it has yet to stop. The main charity, the One Fund Boston, began by Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, is no longer accepting donations. But you can still donate to the Boston Marathon victims and survivors through other charities the One Fund has helped set up.

The One Fund collected $61 million in just 75 days following the bombing. All the money was dispersed to the victims and survivors with no overhead cost thanks to the help of volunteers and companies that offered their services pro-bono. In December 2014, the fund announced it would no longer be taking donations. In all, the fund raised and distributed $80 million that was donated by more than 200,000 individuals, businesses, and organizations. Jim Gallagher, President of the One Fund Boston, said at the time, “Now, after over a year and a half of operations we have completed our task. In this season of hope, it is our wish that a fund of this nature is never needed again."

There are still a few ways to show your support, however.

One Fund Center At Massachusetts General Hospital

You can donate to the One Fund Center at Massachusetts General Hospital helps victims suffering with mental health problems following the bombing. People who go through the program learn how to reduce distress that stems from a traumatic event or injury. This is one of the two charities set up by One Fund Boston.

One Fund Center At Massachusetts Eye And Ear

The other option set up by One Fund is the One Fund Center at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. They're committed to helping the marathon bombing victims overcome hearing loss and tinnitus or a ringing sensation in the ears that doesn't go away. A donation here will help find cures to hearing problems that could help bombing victims over the long run.

Massachusetts Resiliency Center

The center was "created to provide a safe, welcoming space for survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing to heal and stay in touch with one another." Since many of the victims are spread out geographically, the group also serves as a "virtual hub," keeping survivors in touch with each other to facilitate healing, recovery, and resiliency. A donation will support their ongoing programming.

Choose the charity that speaks to you or consider one of the many other Boston-area charities started for or by victims and survivors of the marathon bombings.