Volunteers are collecting donations for the family of fallen Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth at Telge and West roads in Cy-Fair. Volunteers are collecting donations for the family of fallen Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth at Telge and West roads in Cy-Fair.[/caption]

Numerous fundraising efforts for the family of fallen Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Goforth are underway in Cy-Fair.

Goforth was fatally shot in the line of duty Aug. 28 while filling up his patrol car at a gas station at the corner of Telge and West roads. He was a 10-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Volunteers from nearby neighborhoods, such as Cy-Fair resident Amy Lasko, began collecting donations outside the station, where a memorial with balloons, flowers, ribbons and notes has developed.

“I often walk to [the station] and I’ve bumped into Officer Goforth there on multiple occasions,” Lasko said. “After the events Friday I went over Saturday morning to see how the staff was doing and to show my condolences and pay my respects. Once I got there, I couldn’t leave.”

Lasko and other volunteers raised close to $90,000 in donations for the Goforth family in four days and are looking for corporate entities or individuals who want to match donations that have been collected. Cash or check donations are accepted at the station.

“We’re asking for those who are local to the area, if it’s convenient, to come to the gas station [to donate] as all proceeds go 100 percent to the family that way,” Lasko said.

Two Cy-Fair businesses plan to host fundraisers in late September for the Goforth family as well. Masones Saloon will host a fundraiser from noon-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at 11133 Huffmeister Road. The event will feature live and silent auctions, a bounce house, face painting and barbecue plates, owner Kari Wood said.

“We’re hoping to have a couple thousand people out,” she said. “One hundred percent of everything goes to the family.”

Wood is accepting donations and items for the auctions, such as gift cards, food, T-shirts and gift baskets. Those interested in donating can call 281-890-5556.

Henry Hudson’s Pub plans to host a fundraiser from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26 at 13300 FM 1960 W., featuring food, drinks, a raffle and a silent auction. Those who are interested in donating or volunteering can email [email protected].

Houston-based nonprofit The 100 Club, which provides financial support to spouses and dependents of law enforcement officials and firefighters killed in the line of duty, has stepped in as well. The organization has provided the Goforth family with a $20,000 donation to help with immediate needs, executive director Rick Hartley said.

“We want to get that money into the family’s hands so they can cover any immediate financial needs,” he said.

In the coming weeks, The 100 Club will complete a needs assessment with the family to pay off vehicle debt, mortgages and help with other financial needs, Hartley said. The organization has provided more than $18 million to 170 families who lost someone in the line of duty since its inception.

“We look at the entire picture of what that family has and try to do whatever we can through the support of our members and the public to make their lives a little better and debt-free,” Hartley said.

For more information, or to donate, visit www.the100club.org.