LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - If you would like to offer your condolences to the families of the girls who died as a result of the incident at West Nickel Mines School on Oct. 2, 2006, click here-- http://local.lancasteronline.com and click on the story posted at the top of the page then scroll down to story “How To Offer Condolences To The Amish Families” and click.
Obituaries and Condolence Books have been created for 7 year old Naomi Rose Ebersol, 13 year old Marian S. Fisher [the brave young girl who offered her own life in exchange for release of the other young girls and was the first young victim to be shot in the head], 8 year old Mary Liz Miller and her 7 year old sister Lena Z. Miller, and 12 year old Anna Mae Stoltzfus.
For those who wish to donate, the following funds have been set up:
Mennonite Central Committee East Coast and the Mennonite Disaster Service — Donations can be made by phone at 859-1151 or 888-563-4676; online at http://www.mds.mennonite.net; or by mail to MCC U.S., 21 S. 12th St., P.O. Box 500, Akron, Pa., 17501-0500. Donors are asked to write “Amish School Recovery Fund” in the memo line of the check.
Nickel Mines School Victims Fund — Send donations to HomeTowne Heritage Bank,100 Historic Drive, P.O. Box 337, Strasburg, Pa., 17579. Donations also can be taken to any other division of National Penn Bank.
In addition, contributions to either the Nickel Mines Children’s Fund or the Roberts Family Fund can be sent to Coatsville Savings Bank, 1082 Georgetown Road, Paradise, Pa., 17562.
There are other outward expressions of sympathy and offers to help, as well.
Capital Blue Cross has created a $500,000 medical fund to help pay for urgent and ongoing care for the victims.
The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau has been asking its members to offer transportation, meals and lodging to the victims’ family members who may be traveling to the area. To help out, contact Janet Wall at 391-6005 or e-mail her at .
Two weeks of free counseling for the surviving children and their families is being offered by Upward Care Counseling Services in New Holland and Georgetown.
Cards or letters of condolence to the families can be sent in care of the Bart Township Fire Company, P.O. Box 72, 11 Furnace Road, Bart, Pa., 17503.
