Johnathan Bond

God is close to the brokenhearted, And helps those crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18 

Yesterday, November 21, 2016, our community confronted a tragedy too difficult to comprehend. A school bus traveling from Woodmore Elementary crashed, resulting in five fatalities, dozens of injuries, countless devastated families, and a community struggling to make sense of it all. 

Our first responders from the Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County EMS, and Erlanger Hospital acted quickly, with the utmost diligence and care despite the difficult circumstances. 

And, of course, Chattanoogans immediately reached out to offer help and support. 

We know the Woodmore families will need our assistance in the days, weeks, and months to come. So this morning, a coordinated fundraising effort between United Way of Greater Chattanooga and Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga was launched to provide assistance to the families most impacted by yesterday's tragic accident. Many will need financial assistance for a variety of immediate medical bills, long-term care, mental healthcare, and basic necessities. 
I would encourage anyone who wants to help and can make a financial contribution to donate to the Woodmore Fund. 

There are no words that can comfort the broken heart of a mother or father. I will continue to pray for each and every family affected by this tragedy and would ask that you do the same in the days to come.

Read more about the bus crash here...

Thanks!
Johnathan