Sandy Hook Support Fund Raised Nearly $3 Million in One Week

$2.8 million.

That's how much the team of Newtown Savings Bank and the United Way of Western Connecticut had raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund since Dec. 15 -- as of last Friday, just a few days before Christmas.

While many opportunities for contributing have sprung up since the tragic mass shooting on Dec. 14, the fund is the primary donation source listed on websites for Newtown Public Schools and the town of Newtown.

On Saturday, the United Way of Western Connecticut announced the fund had raised $2.8 million. One hundred percent of funds will go directly to the community, according to the United Way.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of caring people from across the nation and around the world who are supporting the Newtown Community," said UWWC CEO Kim Morgan in the Dec. 22 release.

In an interview with Patch shortly after the fund was launched, Newtown Savings Bank President John Trentacosta said the United Way and the bank won't have any say in where funds end up -- instead, money will be distributed by an independent advisory board made up of Newtown residents, which could include school officials, parents and religious leaders.

"What we're trying to do is be responsive and helpful to our communities and the citizens who were impacted by [this tragedy]," he said.

In the release, United Way officials also said the they are working with the town to set up a "command center" to help manage volunteers and distribute donations.

To donate, visit their website's donation form.