Online community reaches out to help Richard family

Friends and strangers alike have extended both emotional and financial support to the family of Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin Richard.

Richard, an 8-year-old Ashmont resident, was fatally injured as he waited for his father, Bill Richard, at the finish line on Boylston Street, friends said. His mother and sister seriously wounded.

A Google Doc called "Caring for the Richard family" circulated on Twitter on Tuesday, calling for donations for the Martin family.

Well-wishers offered food, yardwork and money for medical expenses. Many simply wrote, "Whatever's needed - call on me."

The majority of donors indicated that they did not know the family personally.

The greater online community has reached out to the Martin family under the hashtag #prayforMartin.

Its so sad that such a young, innocent kid with a whole life ahead of him had his life taken away for no reason at all today #PrayForMartin

— Tony Pajamas (@DSanta617) April 16, 2013

Rest in the sweetest paradise 8 year old Martin Richard from Dorchester. You will be missed. #PrayForMartin

— Christina Lafferty (@stinalaff) April 16, 2013

Look at this sweet face. All he wanted was peace. #PrayForMartin #PrayForBoston twitter.com/practical_MAJi…

— mich (@practical_MAJic) April 16, 2013

So heart breaking Am a parent and I would b insane if that was my boy This is horrific #prayformartin #PrayForBoston

— Sheyla RR9 (@SheyRR9) April 16, 2013

RIP, Martin Richard ; strength and love to his injured mom and sister; condolences to his grieving family#prayformartin

— Michelle Pearse (@aabibliographer) April 16, 2013