The Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro Foundation, in partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools, has established this nonprofit GoFundMe Crisis Support campaign to support the recovery of Westwood Hills Elementary School.

On September 2, 2026, Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro, Virginia, experienced a tragic school shooting. We are profoundly grateful that our students and staff are physically safe. At the same time, we recognize that the emotional impact of what occurred is significant, and recovery will take time, care, and the support of many.

As part of the cleanup and remediation process following the shooting, porous materials and numerous furnishings, decorations, and other items throughout the school had to be discarded. Many of these were things teachers and staff had collected and created over the years. These items gave classrooms, hallways, shared spaces, and staff areas warmth, color, personality, and a sense of belonging.

We can replace things. More importantly, together we can help make Westwood feel like Westwood again.

Waynesboro Public Schools has already begun replacing essential items, with orders underway and deliveries expected soon. This campaign provides an opportunity to go beyond those immediate needs and help our teachers and staff restore the welcoming spaces that mean so much to our students and school community.

Funds raised through this nonprofit GoFundMe campaign will directly support recovery efforts at Westwood Hills Elementary. Needs may include furniture, bulletin board and display materials, visual elements, signage, storage and organizational solutions, learning-space enhancements, and other teacher- and staff-identified items that help make the school welcoming, comfortable, and functional.

Waynesboro Public Schools is working directly with Westwood Hills teachers and staff to identify and prioritize needs and provide oversight so that resources are distributed thoughtfully and equitably. The Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro Foundation is serving as our nonprofit community partner, providing a way for individuals, businesses, civic organizations, community groups, and supporters near and far to participate in this recovery effort.

In the days since September 2, people throughout our community, across the country, and even around the world have asked how they can stand with Westwood Hills. This campaign provides a coordinated and meaningful way to help.

All funds donated through this GoFundMe nonprofit campaign will directly support recovery efforts at Westwood Hills Elementary School.

To help streamline these efforts and ensure donations can be put to work efficiently, we encourage those wishing to contribute financially to donate through this GoFundMe campaign. If you would like to send a check, please reach out for the address of the Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro Foundation.

We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity, compassion, and support that have surrounded Westwood Hills during this difficult time. We are also grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro Foundation for standing alongside our students, staff, families, and community.

Together, we will help Westwood Hills heal, rebuild, and once again feel like Westwood.

To follow our Recovery and Return process, please visit our dedicated website.