A community fund drive for the Woodmore Elementary families has grown to at least $93,000.
The community has been reaching out since a tragic bus crash that has killed six children and left four others with critical injuries.
Kelley Nave of the United Way said, "At this time, United Way has approximately $13,000 in funds pending that haven't been added to the previous total of $80,000 yet. But many fundraisers are being conducted this weekend and more are expected.
"Late this morning, between numerous individual donations made to both United Way and the Community Foundation; the Food City event yesterday which earned approximately $10,000; and a $25,000 donation from BCBST; we estimate that the fund has collected approximately $80,000 since late Tuesday morning. Many other organizations have raised money for the fund or are in the process of holding fundraisers, but we won't include those dollars until they're in hand and have been properly counted.
"In the meantime, more funds will be needed to meet the ongoing needs of this community moving forward. We are deeply grateful to everyone - from individuals to organizations, schools, and businesses -- who have contributed to help this community in its time of need. We are committed to engaging leadership in the Woodmore community to help guide this process and make decisions. 100% of donated funds will be used to provide support to those affected by Monday’s tragic accident."
Also, the Tennessee Titans are reaching out to the families impacted by the tragic bus accident..
The Titans Foundation will donate $25,000 to The Woodmore Fund following the tragic school bus accident involving Woodmore Elementary School students on Nov. 21 in Chattanooga.
In addition, the Titans will wear “W.E.S.” decals on their helmets for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears to honor the young victims killed and other students still hospitalized because of the accident.
"We were stunned and saddened to hear the news of the young lives lost in the school bus crash in Chattanooga earlier this week," said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. "We know the state of Tennessee and the Chattanooga community will rally around those families and we want to do our part to honor and help those involved in this tragedy."
The Woodmore Fund was created in partnership with United Way of Greater Chattanooga, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, and numerous community partners in an effort to support both the short-term and long-term needs of the Woodmore families impacted the most by this tragedy.
“I prayed for them as soon as I heard the news,’’ receiver Harry Douglas said. “You pray for those families and you pray for those people. It is so sad because you put your kids on the school bus and think they are going to be safe and come back home.
“It’s tragic, and your heart goes out to all the families who have been impacted.”
Tennessee Vols football coach Butch Jones and several Vols players showed up at Children's Hospital on Wednesday to support the Woodmore families.