The charity for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and their families is shutting down operations, after having distributed nearly $80 million to people affected by the devastating blasts, the organization said on Tuesday.
In a statement, One Fund Boston said it will not accept donations after Dec. 15, and the charity expressed gratitude to the more than 200,000 individuals, businesses, and community groups that have contributed to the fund, which then-Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Governor Deval Patrick established soon after the April 15, 2013, bombings.
“Now, after over a year and a half of operations we have completed our task,” said Jim Gallagher, president of the One Fund, in the statement. “In this season of hope, it is our wish that a fund of this nature is never needed again.”
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The charity also received praise on Tuesday from Menino’s successor, Mayor Martin J. Walsh.
“The One Fund has done an outstanding job managing an incredibly difficult and emotionally-charged set of responsibilities in the aftermath of the Marathon bombing,” Walsh said in a statement. “The outpouring of support that Boston received from around the world touched everyone who was impacted by this tragedy. From all of Boston, thank you to everyone who shared their support, prayers, and kind words for our city.” The charity said that in addition to cash gifts to victims and their families, it gave $1.5 million to support the One Fund Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
The explosions near the finish line on Boylston Street killed three people and wounded more than 260.
The suspected bombers also allegedly murdered an MIT police officer.
While the One Fund is winding down operations, the charity on Tuesday urged people who wish to continue supporting victims and their families to donate to other groups set up by survivors or that are working on their behalf.
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Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.