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How to help after Boston Marathon bombing: Relief funds spring up

Among the efforts is The One Fund Boston, which is designed to be a primary vehicle for helping those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing. Funds to benefit specific individuals are being created, too.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/TCSM
People sign a banner that says 'Boston, you're our home' during an impromptu vigil begins on Boston Common for victims of the bombing of the Boston Marathon, on Tuesday in Boston, Massachusetts. Hundreds came to the vigil. Two bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon the day before, killing some and injuring more than 100 people.

In the wake of Monday’s tragic bombing, the Boston community has set up relief funds for victims, their families, and others affected by the twin blasts.

A primary effort, announced Tuesday, is called The One Fund Boston – a catchall vehicle for supporting the families most affected by the finish-line explosions at the Boston Marathon.

According to official investigators, the bomb attacks killed three people and injured about 176 more, some severely.

The fund was announced by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said in a statement.

The One Fund Boston’s name is keyed to an idea that's top of mind in Boston since Monday: unity.

“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said in a statement announcing the fund.

People wishing to contribute can click on onefundboston.org or mail a check to:

One Fund Boston Inc.
 800 Boylston St., #990009
 Boston, MA 02199

Numerous local businesses are providing seed money for The One Fund Boston, including $1 million from the insurance firm John Hancock. Boston law firm Goodwin Procter volunteered to organize the fund. The firm says that, although it is applying for tax-exempt status, that status isn’t yet confirmed.

A range of other funds have been set up by friends and sympathizers of victims.

A Celeste & Sydney Recovery Fund, for example, focuses on the needs of Celeste Corcoran and her daughter, Sydney, who were both severely injured.

“There is a long road ahead – both physically and emotionally,” a family member who started the fund wrote on its website, which tallied $197,522 as of midday Wednesday.

Some other efforts focus on the family of Martin Richard, the 8-year-old boy who was killed. An earlier picture of Martin, holding a sign on which he had written “peace” and “no more hurting people,” has become a symbol of the bombing’s tragic toll, as well as of local ideals uncrushed by the attack.

Firefighter and police unions have also set up the Bostons First Responders Fund, which is accepting donations to benefit attack victims. In addition, they have announced a $50,000 reward for information that results in an arrest and conviction.

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