GoFundMe campaigns raise money for Sterling, Castile families

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Louisiana State Rep. Denise Marcelle speaks at a prayer vigil for Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge July 6, 2016. (Photo: Scott Clause, The Advertiser via USA TODAY Network)

Although it’s impossible to take away the pain of losing a loved one, two people have stepped forward to help the families of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, both victims of police shootings this week.

Writer/actress Issa Rae and director/photographer Xavier L. Burgin created GoFundMe campaigns for Sterling and Castille’s families, respectively.

Sterling was fatally shot by police Tuesday in Baton Rouge, La., and Castille on Wednesday in Minneapolis.

Following an emotional press conference where Sterling’s oldest son cried out for his father, more than 11,000 people have offered financial support to the family through a GoFundMe page Rae started with the family’s lawyer.

It reads, “If you feel helpless, but want to play a small part in easing the burden of #AltonSterling’s family, consider donating to this scholarship fund for his 15-year-old son (and his other kids).”

Things moved fast.

Soon, the GoFundMe campaign had reached its goal of $200,000.

People are continuing to help, exceeding Rae’s goal by over $130,000 at the time of this article’s publication.

The campaign for Castille’s family went up Thursday. Its goal is $20,000 and, as of this posting, it was just over $14,200.

“We lost another precious life,” writes Burgin on the page. “They stopped #PhilandoCastile over a broken tail light, then shot him as he went for his license. He is now dead. Left behind are his family, his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and his daughter. ”

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Diamond Reynolds, the girlfriend of Philando Castile is consoled by a minister outside the governor’s residence in St. Paul, Minn., July 7, 2016. (Photo: Jim Mone, AP)

Christy Osler is a Boston University student and a USA TODAY College digital producer.