Oxford: Ways to Help and How to Connect with Community Efforts

Oxford: Ways to Help and How to Connect with Community Efforts
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 1, 2021)
Oxford, MI-  Twenty-four hours after the Oxford community was rocked with news of multiple people shot and killed at Oxford High School, dozens of community members gathered at Common Denominator Coffee to answer a question that is on many peoples’ minds:  How do we help?
Kimberly Donnelly, owner of the coffee shop and active community member, has taken the lead in providing a place to gather and in coordinating efforts.  The challenge, she says, is that there are so many Facebook groups and so many fundraising efforts that it’s hard for people to know where to go.
Starting today, community members are welcome to stop into Common Denominator at 5:30pm to hear the latest updates.  Media are not welcome at these gatherings, as she’s aiming to provide a safe space for the community to gather.
At Wednesday’s mid-day meeting about 50 people came and brainstormed ways people can help, and ways to get the word out.  People shared what efforts they already knew of and listed ideas to be researched further.
Here are some key ways people can help:
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
Two local banks have accounts set up to help the families of the victims:  Oxford Bank and Genesys Credit Union can accept donations that won’t be subject to the same kind of fees that online efforts like GoFundMe have, plus there is no worry over legitimacy.  People can go in to any branch and make a donation.  For Oxford Bank donors can also send a check to Oxford Bank, PO Box 17, Oxford, MI  48371 or donate online at http://www.oxfordbank.com/donations.
SHARE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Oxford native Anthony Grupido was among those at the meeting. Grupido is a magician who does presentations in high schools about mental health and suicide prevention.  He’s also does with with Common Ground, an organization providing free mental health resources.
“There’s a lot of kids that were there, and they need mental health support,” he said.  He urged people to share info from the organization, including their 24-hour helpline, online chat function, and texting line.  “I know students may not feel comfortable calling on the phone and talking to somebody. But they have a text option. They be lying in bed at 11:30 at night or 1 in the morning they can text and get a response back.”  Details can be found at https://commongroundhelps.org/
“It’s important we get these resources out there,” Grupido said.  “Students are going to people who may not have professional experience and they may have good intentions, but they could make things worse by saying the wrong things, and bringing down the level of hope.”
COMMUNITY MESSAGES BEING TURNED INTO ART
Willow’s Edge in Oxford is working on an art project.  Here’s what they had to say on Facebook:  “We will be creating a work of art for the families and victims impacted by yesterday’s tragedy at Oxford High School. We invite anyone in the Oxford community to stop into our Oxford office at 2b. S Washington St. between the hours of 8am-8pm this Thursday or Friday to contribute to this memorial art piece by writing a short message. Alternatively, please feel free to email us your heart felt message at WEloveOxfordMI@gmail.com and who it is for (which family or victim). All of the statements will be transformed into works of art for each of the families. Thank you.”
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Business owners from Oxford and Lake Orion were part of the meeting and have begun discussions on coordinating window decorations and possibly signs or banners to show support for the Oxford students and families.  Volunteers spent the afternoon cutting blue and yellow tablecloths into strips to make bows to hang around town.
FRIDAY NIGHT VIGIL
On Friday at 7pm M24 in Downtown Oxford will be closed down for a community vigil.  Volunteers will be there with mental health resources and prayer cards.
OTHER EVENT INFO/CHANGES TO EVENTS
Several holiday events had been planned in the Oxford/Lake Orion Area.  Readers are asked to check for updates before making any assumptions about events.
Friday’s Downtown Oxford Sip and Stroll, and The Oxford Christmas Parade have been cancelled.
Orion’s Holly Jolly Folly and Lighted Parade also set for this weekend have been cancelled.  The parade will now take place on Saturday, December 18th, and Holly Jolly Folly will take place at Golling Buick GMC on Friday, December 17th.
The Orion Area Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled the 2021 Impact Awards for Jan. 6 at 1:30pm at Paint Creek Country Club.
GRIEF SHARE GROUP
Common Denominator Coffee also hosts a grief share group on Monday nights at 7pm. This is an established group where people have been connecting and sharing through their personal grief situations, and welcomes others who may be in need of support.
MEALS, CHILDCARE, AND OTHER SERVICES
Several other ideas were raised during the meeting, including if people could coordinate home cooked meals for families, volunteer to help with childcare, donations of items to help families or support students, and even those who might offer space in their homes for out-of-towners who may come home to be with family during the tragedy and need a place to stay.
These ideas and more are being sussed out by volunteers, with updates to come.
GET ON THE SAME PAGE
Donnelly and her team have created an email list to keep people informed so messages aren’t lost in social media feeds, and she’s hosting community update meetings each night at 5:30pm, except for Sundays. Stop by to be added to the list.  The group is also considering if they want to share efforts with an established Facebook group, or if they want to start a new one.  Everyone is welcome but media are asked not to come because of the desire to create a safe space for the community to connect. Common Denominator is located at 925 N Lapeer Rd Suite 123, Oxford, MI 48371
KNOW OF MORE?
If you know of other opportunities for people to be involved and help, please send info to editor@oc115.com.  This list will be updated as more info is available.
For the latest details in the shooting, we have ongoing up dates at https://oaklandcounty115.com/2021/11/30/multiple-shot-at-oxford-high-school-suspect-in-custody-ongoing/
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