Another tragedy. Las Vegas has suffered the largest mass shooting in recent American history. As a student in California, all throughout my classes, I have been hearing of all these people affected by the tragedy. In one lecture, my professor asked for anyone who personally knows someone affected by the shooting to raise their hands. About 1/3 of the class rose their hands. This was unmistakably a devastating moment for America. I am so sorry for anyone affected by this event.

This season has been filled with tragedies but I don't blame people for turning Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria and the Las Vegas domestic terrorism mass shooting into a political statement. I believe it's not the best choice, but understandable.

And in any case, I believe it is much more pertinent to take action. More than focusing on some arguments which will most likely never be settled for a substantial amount of more time and discussion, right now we should focus on what we can do to help victims.

1. Donate to your charity of choice.

Many charities are asking for cash, as sending supplies can take time and extra cost. Make sure your charity is reliable and not a scam! Charity Navigator is a good way to search up your charity and check their credentials.

2. Donate directly to Las Vegas.

Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commission Chair from Las Vegas has set up a GoFundMe . Direct donations instead of going through middlemen are the most efficient way to make sure your donation will be used for the victims and restoration!

https://www.gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-...

3. Donate directly to Hurricane Victims.

The First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rossello, has set up United for Puerto Rico , a direct donation site to help aid victims in Puerto Rico affected by Hurrican Irma and Maria.

http://unidosporpuertorico.com/en/

To donate supplies to Puerto Rico, check this guide for necessary items and register to donate to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster .

http://prfaa.pr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Pre...

https://www.nvoad.org/howtohelp/donate/

All five living former presidents launched One America Appeal , gathering donations for hurricane relief in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean. 100% of donations will be dedicated to recovery efforts.

https://www.oneamericaappeal.org/

It's never too late to donate. Global Giving is still reaching their $2 million donation goal for providing emergency aid to Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Virgin Islands. Funds will go to emergency needs including first aid, food, and water and then will switch to long-term recovery assistance.

4. Donate directly to children.

Save the Children focuses especially on displaced children and families, providing shelters and supplies to ensure the children are safe.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4...

5. Start your own crowdfunding.

If you live in affected areas, set up your own crowdfunding on GoFundMe and share it with your social media! Or, the old fashioned way of asking coworkers personally. My roommate's dad collected over $2000 from his coworkers and drove down to Texas after buying supplies to help their relatives and hometown. This is the most direct way to make a difference. Everything starts with one person.

6. Volunteer

This one is for those who want to make a change in person. There might be delays in getting responses, but they will get to you. Just remember, donating can be just as relevant as volunteering!

https://www.nvoad.org/howtohelp/volunteer/

https://usvivoad.communityos.org/cms/irma

http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunte...