The world was shocked and touched both with the horrible stories and the heroic accounts in the lives of Cleveland kidnapping victims Amanda Berry, Gina de Jesus and Michelle Knight.

And to help the three to start moving on from the harrowing past, a charity has raised more than $480,000 worth of trust funds for the three women, the Plain Dealer reports.

Lynne Woodman, vice president of media relations for KeyBank informs public that there have been more than 5,100 donations to the Cleveland Courage Fund through the Cleveland Foundation and Key Bank.

KeyBank is extending financial counseling to the three women free of charge. Christopher Kelly, a partner in charge for Jones Day law firm, and Tom Stevens, vice chair and chief administrative officer of KeyBank are more than willing to give their services as co-advisers to the fund.

According to Stevens, "None of the organizations involved is taking any administrative fees or other compensation. We are delighted to serve as advisers to help ensure that Gina, Michelle and Amanda are able to use the money for their well-being, not just for today, but for years to come."

The establishment of the Cleveland Courage Fund was announced by City Councilman Matt Zone following Gina's return to their home on Candem Avenue. The City Councilman organized the fund with council members Donna Brady and Brian Cummins.

Cummins informs public that there were overwhelming donations coming in order to assist the three victims. Cummins said that there had been emails from groups and individuals who are contributing services to the women like free dental care, furniture and health and beauty needs.

All council members are working closely with key contact persons from the families in order for them to determine the proper help to be sought out from those willing to donate.

Cummins was emotional to share that "Everyone that I've worked with... everyone has the absolute best intentions."

CharityNavigator awarded the Cleveland Foundation a four-star ranking, the highest ranking, for its unusual set up - the victims nor the families, do not directly received the money but instead non-profit organizations assist the victims and their families. This set-up guarantees that the victims and families would be properly guided in using the funds wisely.

Jim Wooley, a Jones Day Lawyer, spokesman for the three victims said that they are "confident that the Cleveland Courage Funds are a legitimate, effective and appropriate vehicle for accepting these donations."

Wooley encourages people to donate to the Cleveland Courage Fund "to take care of immediate needs, such as medical care and counseling."

How to Donate

Plain Dealer research encourages people to donate through the following means:

  • Through the Cleveland Courage Fund, established to help kidnap victims Amanda berry, Gina de Jesus and Michelle Knight by its website at clevelandfoundation.org or by mailing a check to Cleveland Courage Fund, c/o Cleveland Foundation, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 1300, Cleveland Ohio 44115.
  • Donations can also be deposited at KeyBank branches in Northeast Ohio or mailed to the bank's headquarters at Cleveland Courage Fund, c/0 KeyBank, 127 Public Square, Cleveland Ohi0, 44114.
  • Cards, letter, well-wishers and donations of goods can be dropped off at the the Family Ministry center, 3381 Fulton Road, Cleveland. The drop-off location is open through June 22. Donations will be accepted at the south entrance of the church from 3p.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Friday, and on from 9a.m. to 1p.m. Saturday.