Where Should Sandy Hook Support Funds Go?

A special forum is being held Thursday night for the public to give input on how the $7.7 million collected through the Sandy Hook School Support Fund will be disbursed among the families and community members affected by the tragedy of Dec. 14.

The forum is set to begin at 8 p.m. in the gym in the basement of Edmond Town Hall.

“These funds are to be distributed to the families most impacted by the tragic school shooting 12/14/12, identified first an foremost as those who lost a loved one and additionally two wounded teachers and 12 children who escaped from the two classrooms the shooter targeted,” the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation said in a release.

Those who choose to speak Thursday night will have the opportunity to address the distribution committee — Chairman Judge Alan Nevas and residents Dr. John Woodall and Joseph Smialowski — as well as special adviser to the fund Ken Feinberg.

“Remaining monies in the Fund will be used for short- and long-term community needs, with a priority given to supporting programs to assist families most impacted, first responders and school personnel,” according to the Foundation. “A second distribution committee will determine how these funds will be allocated in the coming weeks.”