Support for the Schumachers: Who’s Helping, and Where

A Facebook group established in support of the shooter’s family has generated a lot of interest – and donations.

Since it’s hard to know how to approach any family dealing with loss, let alone a loss that’s due to domestic violence, one church has opened its doors to anyone who just wants to send a message to the Schumachers: we’re here for you.

Pastor Grace Murray isn’t the Schumacher’s pastor, and Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ isn’t the Schumacher’s church. 

But after the shooting last week, just blocks from where they worship, her congregation saw a strange family suffering in silence. And turned it into a call for action online. 

Within ten minutes of the post going up on a Facebook group dedicated to supporting the Schumacher family, there was a buzz at the church door, and a donor stood outside,” Murray said.

“I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who’ve been to our door since Tuesday,” Murray said.

Personal care items. Food. More than 1500 hundred dollars in gift cards alone, with more rolling in every minute.

One donor gave a $500 card just last night.

Each one represents a private prayer for peace, and an end to pain for both hurting families.

Down the street, the family’s empty home is littered with the detritus of that night. The front porch is in splinters, the windows boarded up. Clothes, shoes, and children’s toys, including a stuffed bunny soggy in the melting snow, tell passers-by the family’s going to need help picking up the pieces to make a new life.

Donor Joe Cossette came on Thursday with his gift card.

“My thought was, it was the kind of work the officer was doing, these families, these situations. It just made sense,” Cossette said.

You can donate goods and gift cards at the church at 901 North Broadway. Financial donations can be made at any Alerus Financial location, or through the United Sisters of the Presentation.