Crime & Safety
Waukesha Parade Deaths: Fundraisers Set Up, How To Help, Get Help
Resources have been set up for those affected in the Waukesha Christmas parade. Ways for others to help have been established.
WAUKESHA, WI — Multiple people were killed and dozens were injured during the City of Waukesha's annual holiday parade on Sunday when a car broke through barricades and barreled through the crowd.
At least five were killed and 48 were injured Sunday, though officials have said the numbers may change.
During a news conference Monday, officials identified the suspected driver as Darrell Brooks. Police said five charges of first-degree intentional homicide will be filed against Brooks. Police added there was no evidence of domestic terrorism.
Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In the wake of the event, local organizations are establishing ways for others to help, resources have been set up for those immediately impacted, flags across the state have been ordered to half staff and community leaders are mourning.
"The community mourns the loss of our community members and those injured," the city said in a statement. "We are asking for the community to come together during this time and to keep the families in your prayers."
Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ways To Help
The Waukesha County Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the Waukesha Education Foundation established the United for Waukesha County Community Fund to raise funds for those impacted by Sunday's events, Amy Lindner, President and CEO at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, posted on Twitter.
The Waukesha Police Department also recommended the United For Waukesha County Community Fund on Facebook.
"I marched in this parade as a high school band member, attended as a child and know the magic of seeing our entire community come together. Please consider supporting this effort if you can," Lindner posted on Twitter.
Fundraiser for Waukesha West High School Band
A fundraiser has been set up by Kali Granzow, the band director at Waukesha West High School. Waukesha West was one of the bands present "when an SUV decided to speed down the parade route injuring many, including students of the Waukesha South Band," the gofundme.com page said.
The page said it is looking to help the South band with medical costs, new instruments, uniforms, and any other expenses that arise from "this horrific event."
Fundraiser For Xtreme Dance Team
Trista Jerling set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help affected members of the Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team with medical bills.
"These girls spend hours upon hours together practicing, they are more like sisters then teammates. Their families are our families. We are all devastated by the tragedy and anything helps. No child should ever have to witness or go thru what happened on that day," the fundraiser's webpage read.
The fundraiser can be found online.
Donate Blood
Blood donations are always needed. Here are two ways to donate blood:
Where To Find Help
Resources and Phone Lines
Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
Women’s Center of Waukesha: 888-542-3828
Impact 211: 866-211-3380
Waukesha Memorial Hospital, 725 American Avenue: 262-928-1000
Waukesha County Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (ask for a crisis worker): 262-548-7666 or 262-547-3388 (after hours)
Where To Find Things Left Behind
The City of Waukesha tweeted details about where people can collect items they may have left in downtown Waukesha. Police will work to connect identified items with their owners, the post said.
The post said other items without an identifiable owner will be at the Park, Rec and Forestry Department, 1900 Aviation Drive in Waukesha during these times:
Monday: Until 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Bag Lunches For Students
Bag lunches for students in the School District of Waukesha will be available 12-1 p.m. at the following sites in light of the District's full closure:
North High School - Main Entrance
South High School - Main Entrance
West High School - Main Entrance
Butler Middle School - Main Entrance
Horning Middle School - Main Entrance
Les Paul Middle School - Main Entrance
"Children do not have to be present, and friends and family can pick up on behalf of others," the district posted on Facebook.
Counseling For School District of Waukesha Students
The School District of Waukesha posted on Facebook extra counseling resources will be available to all students during school days. All schools are closed Monday and a decision is pending on whether or not school will resume Tuesday.
Counseling Available For College Students
Adam Jussel, dean of students for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and its corresponding branch campus in Waukesha, posted on Twitter Monday resources that are available for college students.
Details on resources available to college students at the Waukesha Campus are available online.
Details on resources available to college students at the Milwaukee Campus are available online.
This article is being updated. Karen Pilarski, Patch Staff, contributed to reporting.
Editor's note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.
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