published: Friday, December 21, 2012

Vigil to honor shooting victims

Special to the News-Sun

SEBRING - The community is coming together Saturday for an organized candlelight prayer vigil for the victims and families of the Newtown, Conn. tragedy.

Patricia Austin and Yudith Fernandez have organized the vigil, which will be from 5-6 p.m. Saturday at the Highlands County Courthouse, 430 S. Commerce St.

"We must come together as a community, as a nation, to offer our support. We are still crying for and with the victims' families and community of Newtown, Conn. We must find strength from each other. Everyone is affected by this tragedy," Austin said.

Marisol Fernandez will sing during the hour of support, encouragement and prayer.

Everyone is asked to bring a candle for the prayer vigil.

Austin said a representative of the Newtown Savings Bank indicated a fundraiser has been set up to help the families of the victims and the community dealing with this tragedy. Newtown is working directly with The United Way in distributing funds in areas needed, whether it is through counseling, funds for a family or for the community.

Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so at The Sandy Hook School Support System Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470. The phone number is (800) 461-0672. Any customer representative answering the phone will be able to answer questions. Donations are asked to be made by check or money order; no cash.

For donations online, go to www.newtown.uwwesternct.org/