Dallas Shooting: Police Provide Links For Those Wishing To Offer Donations

Dallas, TX — In the days following the tragedy in Dallas — where a gunman fatally shot five officers amid a peaceful rally by civil rights advocates — members of the public have inundated the police department to voice moral support.

In response, the Dallas Police Department is calling attention to three charities that have proven most effective in helping the lives of the city's finest. All funds are intended to help defray funeral costs and assist the families of the five police officers slain in Dallas.

"Due to the fact that we have received several requests on how to make donations, we are providing the following websites," Dallas Police Department officials wrote on their Facebook page. "We appreciate all the support that we have received. Thank you from the entire Dallas Police Department."

The first group to which donations can be made is named the Dallas Fallen Officers Foundation.

According to its home page, the DFOF was established in 2009 by active Dallas police officers. It's an affiliate of Dallas Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and a supporter of the Dallas Police Department and other local police agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth region (Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis, and Tarrant counties).

The organization is a self-described "inclusive organization" designed to assist the immediate families of "fallen officers" critically injured or killed in the line-of-duty.

In addition to supporting officers from the Dallas Police Department, it also serves other law enforcement agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex region. The organization is a 501 (c) 3, tax-deductible, nonprofit organization established under provisions of the Internal Revenue Service and the Office of the Texas Secretary of State to operate in the State of Texas, its officials note.

If you wish to make a donation to the Dallas Fallen Officers Association, click here.

Another favored charity is the The Dallas Foundation. Something of a charity clearinghouse, the foundation connects donors — through more than 300 funds — with causes that are close to their heart.

"When donors want to give, we can help them find agencies poised to make a measurable difference in Dallas," its officials write on their website.

In light of the Dallas tragedy, the organization has established the Line of Duty Fund intended to assist the families of officers and others impacted. The fund's overseers will work closely with the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Authority to distribute 100 percent of collected funds to officers and families affected by the July 7 shooting, officials wrote on their website.

Donations to the fund can be made here.

"The Dallas Foundation is exploring ways that we can continue to be of assistance to our city as our community reflects on ways to come together and heal following this tragic event," officials wrote.

The third philanthropic organization that has proved itself effective in improving officers' lives is the Assist the Officer Foundation.

"As Chief Brown expressed his heartbreak over the loss of five fallen 'Guardians of Freedom,' the City of Dallas mourns," the group's officials wrote on their home page. "Five families will not see their loved ones again, while the reasoning behind their loss goes beyond reason."

To donate to Assist the Officer this organization, click here. To send in donations old-school style, donors can send a check or money order to: Assist the Officer, 1412 Griffin St. East, Dallas, TX 75215.

"We owe it to the living to remember," foundation officials said. "The Dallas Police Department, on behalf of the Assist the Officer Foundation, thanks you for remembering them, with your prayers, with your support, with your contributions. Let us all move forward from this event strengthened, united and better for their sacrifice.

Separately, GoFundMe campaign drives have been launched to support the families of fallen officers.

Officer Michael Smith

Another GoFundMe page honors the life of Officer Michael Smith, a DPD veteran who leaves behind a wife of 17 years, and two daughters ages 14 and 10. The fund raised will help defray funeral costs among other family needs. To donate to Smith's family, click here.
Officer Brent Thompson

Dallas Area Rapid Transit has launched a GoFundMe page in honor of officer Brent Thompson, who leaves behind a wife and children. Sadly, Thompson had just gotten married in the past couple of weeks. Donations raised will benefit his family. To help Thompson's family, click here.

Officer Patrick Zamarripa

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started in honor of Patrick Zamarripa, the youngest of the officer killed at just 32 years of age. Despite his youth, Zamarripa served his country well, serving in the military before entering law enforcement. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, according to the page. All funds raised will go to his family, organizers said.

“He had an ability to make a joke about anything,” the page reads in part. “He loved his Cowboys and Rangers. He loved his country. Most of all, he loved his family.”

To donate to the Zamarripa family, click here.