Ways to help community members impacted by the Tuscarawas Valley fatal bus crash

Andrew Dolph, The Times-Reporter

ZOARVILLE – Dr. Varansky and the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District Board of Education has posted a message about donations to the Tusky Valley Trojans Facebook page. It reads:

"The district is receiving many requests on where donations can be made to support those affected by (Tuesday's) tragedy. The Trojan Foundation has established a fund at First Federal Community Bank where we are asking all funds to be sent. We invite anyone who would like to give to send your donation to the bank or to our GoFundMe. The GoFundMe funds will be deposited into the First Federal account as well. The Trojan Foundation will then distribute funds to those affected. We cannot say thank you enough to everyone across the nation for reaching out to offer support. While we cannot respond to each message and phone call personally, please know your messages are being read, and we are grateful for your kind words, love, and support.Please continue to keep our district in your thoughts and prayers."

A sign is seen posted at the front entrance of Sublime Smoke, Tuesday, Nov. 14 in Bolivar, Ohio. The business closed to the public at 4 p.m. in order to serve any and all affected by the bus crash in Licking County involving Tusky Valley students, chaperones, and others.
A sign is seen posted at the front entrance of Sublime Smoke, Tuesday, Nov. 14 in Bolivar, Ohio. The business closed to the public at 4 p.m. in order to serve any and all affected by the bus crash in Licking County involving Tusky Valley students, chaperones, and others.

Here are a few other ways to give back to the Tusky Valley Trojans:

Direct benefits for those in need

Wigfield family benefit, shared by the Jackson Professional Firefighters: “This donation will support the Wigfield family. Firefighter Wigfield learned on November 14, 2023, that his wife lost her life in a tragic car accident. Local 2280 is collecting donations to help the Wigfield family, who, with three children, will face emotional and financial challenges due to Shannon's loss. Your entire donation will directly aid the Wigfield family. Thank you for your consideration and contribution." Click here to view.

The Trojan Foundation: "In response to yesterday's bus crash, an AngeLink crowdfunding campaign was created this morning to support victims and their families. This is a verified fundraiser with ALL donations being distributed directly to the First Federal account setup by the school district and managed by the Trojan Foundation. AngeLink is a crowdfunding platform built and powered by women. Since launching one year ago, AngeLink has processed more than $3M in donations and has 56,000 active users."

Jeffery's Funeral: Kayla Ross is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of George Worrell III.

Tusky Valley Band Fundraiser: Benefit Fund & GoFundMe campaign, Tusky Valley Strong.

Restaurants

Bolivar Pizza, Bolivar. From its Facebook post: "Today November 15, we will be open even longer hours to help our community for the dine and donate. We are going to open at 1:00pm until 8:00pm tonight. Keep in mind we are cash or check only at our establishment and we are strictly carry out and delivery (no sit down). We look forward to the opportunity to serve with 75% of the proceeds going to Tusky Valley Band. If you cannot get through our phone lines please keep trying or you can place your order through messenger. Please include what you would like to order, what time you are interested in and include name, phone number and address if you would like delivery. Thank you all for the support. We are a family."

Biggby Coffee, New Philadelphia. From its Facebook post: "Biggby Brew Crew would like to offer a way for our customers to help just a little towards yesterday’s tragic event. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the baristas will be asking if you want to “round up” your change from your total. This total amount after the three days will then be given to Tusky Valley to help all of the families affected. Thank you in advance"

Rod's Donuts and Diner, Uhrichsville. From its Facebook post: "Update: Thursday, November 16 we will be donating 50% of our CASH sales to the Tusky Valley families"

Texas Roadhouse, New Philadelphia. Monday 3 -10 p.m., 10% of proceeds donated. Just mention Tusky Valley. Check with the restaurant to find out if this is ongoing.

Dough Co. Doughnuts & Coffee, Dover. A monetary collection jar is available for all patrons.

Soul Sisters, Zoar. They are offering a complimentary cup of coffee to anyone who may need one, alongside additional love and prayer.

Subway, Bolivar. A collection jar is available for patrons.

Businesses

Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn, New Philadelphia. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and all the Carrollton, Tusky Valley, Buckeye Career Center communities. We would like to offer our Venue for any gathering, benefits, etc free of charge. Contact us if we can help in any way. 330 260 5087"

Lightning Signs and Decals, New Philadelphia. From its Facebook post: "We will be creating this [pray for Tusky Valley] into a yard sign. These will be available by donation with ALL proceeds donated to a Tusky Valley school fund. Contact us at info@lightningsign.com or call 330 440 3129"

Through the Years Child Care Center, Bolivar. They are actively collecting donations.

Divine Ink Studio (Jennifer Smolak), Dover. They are hosting a walk-in flash sale on Friday.

Haven Shala, Bolivar. From her GoFundMe campaign: "Today our community is devastated after the fatal accident involving Tusky Valley Band students, chaperones, & faculty. Our hearts are so heavy. We send our love & support to the victims and families of all who were involved. Please support our community, and donate towards recovery efforts. All proceeds will go toward the Tusky Valley Band & families. UPDATE: I have contacted the Tusky Valley Board of Education Members, to assist in handling the distribution of funds raised."

JO Creative CO, Photography and Video. They will be selling gift certificates throughout the remainder of the year with a portion of the proceeds going to the TV Band.

212 Auto Service, Bolivar. A collection jar is available for patrons.

A Little Twisted Custom Designs, Newcomerstown. From its Facebook post: "ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE FAMILIES affected in the tragedy that happened today. These shirts will be available for purchase for $20 a piece. Youth ($18) and Adult ($20) sizes available. Pick-up is available in Newcomerstown, Uhrichsville and Dover. Shipping is also available."

Be Yoga Studios, LLC, Dover. They are donating 50% of all their sales from classes and memberships to the families involved. Call them at 330-806-0385 or check out their website: Home - Be Yoga Studios, LLC

Schools

Strasburg-Franklin School Band Boosters, Strasburg. The organization is collecting gift cards of any kind. Reach out to Tiffani at Custom Needle Point. Email: Customneedleprint@gmail.com, or call 330-432-5506.

Individuals

Jackie Proctor Facebook post: "In an effort to help those affected by yesterday’s tragedy I will be donating the proceeds from my elderberry and Hormone Harmony tea sales. Please message me to order. My heart goes out to all the friends and families of those affected. "

Acknowledgment

Sublime Smoke Fine BBQ & Craft Brew in Bolivar was one of the first to respond by choosing to close early on Tuesday to devote their time, energy and resources to all community members affected by the tragedy.

You can send additional suggestions of ways to help to T-R staff photographer Andrew Dolph at adolph3@gannett.com. This list will be updated.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Ways to help people impacted by the Tusky Valley Schools bus crash

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