More than $145,000 has been donated to two local agencies on behalf of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of the Jan. 8 shootings, including $92,145 to the Community Food Bank and $53,000 to the American Red Cross.
"This is going into a restricted fund and we're going to wait until Gabby recovers, and then she and her husband, Mark Kelly, can tell us how they want us to use the funds," said Jack Parris, public relations manager for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
"We put the website up there and had no idea what kind of response we would get, and it's really been overwhelming."
Kelly said in a public statement Jan. 9, "If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross."
The American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter is accepting donations at www.redcrossarizona.org/giffords and the Food Bank is accepting donations at communityfoodbank.com
Jennifer M. Tersigni, chief development officer for the Red Cross' local chapter, said Friday: "Your donations in honor of Rep. Giffords will support the broad services of the American Red Cross in Southern Arizona, whether it be disaster services to children and families in need, services to our veterans and armed forces, or the teaching of lifesaving first aid and CPR skills - skills that save a life during emergencies."
