The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Kroger Delta Division and the National Compassion Fund (NCF), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes charitable contributions in the aftermath of mass casualty crimes, today announced the establishment of the Collierville Survivors Fund to benefit those impacted directly by the mass shooting at a Kroger grocery store in Collierville.
Tax-deductible donations can be made at nationalcompassion.org. All funds donated will be distributed to the family of the deceased victim, Olivia King, as well as those injured, and those who were present in the store and experienced psychological trauma. The fund will also accept, and jointly distribute, the money raised through the GoFundMe campaign established by VictimsFirst along with funds donated to the Collierville Kroger Victim Relief Fund through the ColliervilleTNStrong.com campaign.
“Even after many trying months in which the pandemic and its economic consequences have continually tested our community, Mid-Southerners are once again showing their extraordinary generosity in a moment of need,” said Sutton Mora, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Community Foundation. “We are grateful to be part of this effort that effectively and efficiently connects donors’ heartfelt giving with everyone impacted by the horrific incident.”
In consultation with NCF, the owner and operator of the fund, the Community Foundation is forming a local Steering Committee, chaired by Collierville community leader Harry L. Smith and comprising other community and business leaders, to establish the eligibility and distribution policies for the fund. In the coming weeks, additional details about the distribution plans will be provided.
The fund will be managed and operated by NCF.
“Our hearts go out to the entire Collierville community,” said Jeffrey Dion, Executive Director of the National Compassion Fund. “We are honored to join forces with the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and VictimsFirst to increase charitable giving and help meet the overwhelming needs of the survivors of this atrocity. We stand in solidarity with all of those impacted by gun violence.”
Kroger Delta Division will accept customer donations at the register at any area Kroger Store, as well as will make a sizable donation to the Collierville Survivors Fund through its corporate foundation.
“We care deeply about our associates, customers, and the Collierville community, and that’s why we are seeding the fund with a $1 million donation from The Kroger Co. Foundation,” said Victor Smith, president, Kroger Delta Division. “We are committed to helping those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy grieve and heal.”
