Photo: (Getty)
Triumph turned to tragedy when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon. The explosions killed 3 people and injured at least 144 runners and spectators. Whether you're near or far from Boston, know somebody or just feel for those who do, here's a list of ways to give or receive help following this tragic event.
+ Find A Loved One
Boston Marathon Athlete Tracker: Use a runner's name or number to find out if he or she finished the race and when.
Google Person Finder's Boston Marathon Page: Google's Person Finder lets users either find or provide information about missing people. They've set up a site specifically for the Boston Marathon, so check it out whether you're looking for a loved one, or have info about a runner you met along the way.
The American Red Cross Safe and Well Listings: The Red Cross's Safe and Well website allows people in any disaster area in the United States to register their current status along with a message for loved ones. Users can list themselves as Safe and Well or search the listings by name and number or address.
+ Give Help
Love Is Louder than violence! We can all help out simply by staying positive, and using social media to spread love and support. Join the movement by taking a "Love is Louder than Violence" pic and Tweeting it with the hastag #loveislouder.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is providing free food and counseling to marathon survivors and first responders. Seek help or donate to the organization so that it can continue to provide free disaster relief.
Give Blood: Thanks to you, the Boston Red Cross currently has enough donated blood to meet its demands. Still, no matter where you live, you can always give blood to help your city in the event of disaster.
+ Get Help
Half Of Us: Whether you know someone in Boston or not, it's normal to feel emotional after events like this. MTV's Half Of Us recommends that you discuss your feelings with friends, family, or counselors. If reading or watching the news is only making you more upset, unplug yourself. Ditch your electronics and do something fun to take your mind off things.
Free Housing: Thousands of people from around the world attend the Boston Marathon, and many of their travel plans changed unexpectedly yesterday. If you live in Boston and have extra space in your home -- or even just a spare couch -- use this form to provide temporary housing to those stranded due to the bombing. You can use the same form to locate housing for yourself, your friends, or your family.
Telephone Hotlines: Locate loved ones by calling the Boston Mayor's hotline at 617-635-4500. If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious before, during, or after the explosions, call 1-800-494-TIPS (8477). If you need help coping with what has happened, call 1-800-273-TALK to chat confidentially.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Turn negative feelings into positive actions by taking action below. Sending all of our love to Boston!
