How Can You Help Victims Of Paris Attacks? Volunteer, Donate, Give Blood, Provide Shelter To Those Affected

Paris, the City of Light, suffered its deadliest day since World War II when attacks coordinated by the Islamic State group left 130 dead across the French capital Friday night. Another 352 people were wounded after the nearly simultaneous sieges Locals are helping victims and their families by volunteering, giving blood or opening up their homes. Whether you live in Paris or halfway around the world, there are several ways to help the city recover.

Here are six ways you can make a difference in the wake of the Paris attacks:

Donate: You can donate to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which directly supports the French Red Cross. The French chapter of the aid organization announced it has hundreds of volunteers on the ground in Paris working with victims and their families. You can also choose a recurring or one-time donation for Friends of Fondation de France, a charity that also helps during times of emergency.

Give blood: If you are in or around Paris, you can arrange to donate blood through the French National Blood Service or by using the Don du Sang à Paris mobile app.

Volunteer: The Secours Catholique-Caritas France is a Catholic relief organization based in France that regularly helps the underprivileged throughout the country and provides assistance during emergencies. The French Secours Populaire is a nonprofit group that was primarily established to fight poverty, but it also provides support during emergencies and for any victims. Both of these organizations also accept donations.

Provide shelter: French citizens are using the hashtag #PorteOuverte on Twitter and Facebook, which means “open door,” to offer their homes as shelter to tourists or anyone who needs them in the wake of the attacks.

Check in with friends and family: If you're in Paris or the surrounding area, let your friends and family know you're safe. Facebook has activated its Safety Check feature, which allows users to let friends and family know their status in the aftermath of a disaster.

Show your support: Millions are taking to social media to express their condolences for victims and prayers for peace in Paris by using these trending hashtags #PrayForParis, #Prayers4Paris and #PrièresPourParis.