Peggy Dunne, family-friend of , says she is "unaware of any [legitimate] fundraising efforts and that the family does not have any connection" to campaigns to do so.
When the 15-year-old boy went missing Friday, it was inevitable that people want to help and groups would organizing fundraising campaigns.
But be very careful when pitching in—and make sure to verify the motives of groups claiming to raise money.
As for the outpouring of volunteer inquiries, anyone who wishes to do may contact Dunne via email at volunteers4pierce@gmail.com. [Editor's note, Ms. Dunne provided another address and the original posted has been updated.]
To make sure adults in the region have seen Pierce's face, volunteers have wallpapered the region with flyers. Dunne said the family is also well aware and appreciate the social media push sparked by Crowley's friends who started a Facebook page and are keeping up awareness about Pierce by messaging using the hashtag #findpierce on Twitter.
Dunne says right now "there's not much more to do but wait." She is asking that people pray and hope for Pierce's swift return.
Dunne said there is a great deal of speculation in current reported accounts of Pierce's activities up to his disappearance. She said the last time Pierce's friend saw him he was headed to get a taxi, but there is no confirmation that he actually did and no driver has been identified claiming to have had contact with the young man.
She said she and the family have seen to rampant speculation by commenters across social media and stress "[They] are all rumors."
It seems the best thing to do right know is remain focused on looking for Pierce and supporting the Crowley family.
White Plains police has not provided any official investigation updates as of Tuesday morning and the search remains open.
