Bend Parents Launch Fund for School Shooting Survivors

Parents of children who were at Silver Rail Elementary during the Oct. 15 shooting have launched the volunteer-run Silver Rail Children’s Fund to support young survivors and help them heal. The fund pays businesses and service providers directly for activities and items children need, including outings, games and art supplies, rather than distributing cash to families. Eligible children include those enrolled at or present at the school that day, their siblings, and children of staff who were there; they can access support until age 25. Organizers say the fund will also help with longer-term needs, including counseling, and is operating with guidance from VictimsFirst. The shooting killed three children and a teacher and injured two others.