BUFFALO, N.Y. — People and businesses from across the country have donated more than $6 million in the three weeks since a gunman killed 10 people and injured three others at Tops Friendly Markets. More than $3 million was designated specifically for helping address the short- and long-term needs of the victims and their families.
Though some money has started to flow to the families, it will be four to five months before the bulk of those donations make it to their intended destination. Funders say it’s important to follow tried and true processes to identify who should get money and how much. But community leaders say this situation is different and the funds can’t come soon enough for families who were already struggling.
“We want to make sure we do what’s right for the families and the community. That’s where we’re at, to make sure we do it right and that individuals will receive 100% of the donations,” said the Rev. Mark Blue, president of the Buffalo NAACP and a pastor with Second Baptist Church in Lackawanna.
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