A mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killed at least 50 people and wounded another 53, making it the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.

As the nation responds in sadness and frustration, here are three tangible ways you can take action right here in South Jersey to help a community already vulnerable to discrimination, violence, harassment and harm.

Donate blood

Many have already. So many that OneBlood, the local blood bank, met its needs for Sunday, but the organization will need blood in the coming days, especially for the rarer types -- O negative, O positive and AB plasma.

Local Red Cross blood drives this week include...

Monday, June 13 at Margate Jewish Community Center, 501 N. Jerome Avenue from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday and Thursday  at Pleasantville Blood Donation Center
850 N. Franklin Avenue from 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM

Donate Money
You can help the victims with monetary donations, as well. Equality Florida, a nonprofit LGBT civil rights organization, has set up a GoFundMe account for the victims and their families. Equality Florida says all of the money donated will go to the families.
The initial goal was $500,000 which was met in just hours. Now the goal is $2 million.

 Support organizations working with the impacted community

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida is working to support the local queer community through counseling and support in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. To reach the center’s hotline and speak to a counselor, call 1-407-228-1446.

Here are two local organizations supporting the LGBT community in South Jersey

NJ Lesbian and Gay Coalition offer resources for LGBT youth. Helpline numbers, housing information, legal resources, physical health agencies, etc. are incorporated in this site. Call 732-828-6772.

The Pride Center of New Jersey offers numerous social, supportive, educational, entertaining, and fun events and groups for the LGBTQI community every month

More From Cat Country 107.3