CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In response to an outpouring of community requests, local officials are offering suggestions on how to help the family of Mikaela Lynch, while area residents are planning vigils in memory of the little girl.
The 9-year-old San Francisco girl, who had autism, wandered from her family’s Harbor Drive vacation home on Mother’s Day.
After an exhaustive search involving agencies from around the state, her body was found in Cache Creek, not far from the home, on Wednesday morning.
The Clearlake Police Department, which had headed up the search for the girl, offered a series of suggestions on how the community can assist the Lynch family, who have asked that their privacy be respected in the wake of their daughter’s death.
The agency said it’s received numerous requests from members of the public who wish to make a donation in Mikaela’s memory.
While the agency itself cannot accept donations, it said that tax-deductible donations in honor of the child could be made through SF Polo in the Park, a program which Mikaela loved.
The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program for children with autism and other special needs is the main beneficiary of Polo in the Park, Clearlake Police said.
The program provides children in the San Francisco Bay Area with horsemanship and horseback riding lessons as a physical or social therapy alternative.
Donations of stock, cash, goods and services are welcome. For more information visit http://sfpolointhepark.com/donate or call 415-221-9438.
Police also said that anyone wishing to send their condolences to the Lynch family may do so at the following mailing address: The Lynch family, General Delivery Post Office, Clearlake, CA 95422.
Candlelight vigils for the girl also are being organized.
One will be held beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday at Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. Members of the Lynch family are expected to be in attendance.
On Monday, the Success in Autism Support Group – in conjunction with First 5 Lake County and Easter Seals – is planning a candlelight vigil for Mikaela and her family at 6 p.m. at the Legacy School, 1950 Parallel Dr. in Lakeport.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.