Here's How You Can Help Jordan Edwards' Family

On Saturday, the Edwards family experienced a devastating loss that many will never be able to imagine. Their 15-year-old son was fatally shot in the head by a police officer while he was attending an end-of-the-year party with friends in Balch Springs, Texas. While there are certainly no words that can take the pain away from a grieving family, you can help Jordan Edwards' family by donating to a memorial fund set up in his name.

While a number of independently launched fundraising websites have been established to help the family cover the unplanned funeral expenses, one YouCaring page has been established by a family friend with the permission of Odell and Charmaine Edwards, Jordan's parents. A statement on the crowdfunding page explains the purpose of the fundraiser, and states that all proceeds will go directly to the Edwards family.

The Family of Jordan Edwards has been overwhelmed with the love and support our community, both locally and nationally. There aren't enough words in the English language to express our gratitude. By no means are we asking for support, but we do understand that people will like to contribute to our family. We wanted to create an avenue for that support, where no one would profit from the death of our beloved Jordan.

The campaign has so far raised over $90,000.

Aside from monetary donations, you can also help the Edwards family by honoring the family's request to respect their privacy as they prepare for the funeral, and to refrain from lashing out against local or national police departments in response to Edwards' death.

"While our family attempts to cope with our loss, we ask that at this time the community please refrain from protests and marches in Jordan’s and our family’s name, as we prepare for his funeral," the family said in a statement released Tuesday. "We do not support nor do we condone any violence or threats made against the Balch Springs Police Department or any other law enforcement agencies."

Although the officer who shot Edwards was identified and fired on Tuesday evening, an investigation into the incident is ongoing and no charges have yet been filed. If this narrative sounds all too familiar following a string of seemingly unending cases of young, black, unarmed men being shot and killed by police officers, you can take steps towards creating change and seeking justice. Engage in dialogue about racial discrimination with peers. Volunteer with organizations leading the fight against police brutality. Or take action today by donating to the Edwards family to help fund funeral expenses for their 15-year-old son.