DIXON – Sauk Valley Media is providing an easier way for people to donate to the family of Army Spc. Michael Shoemaker Jr.

The 23-year-old Amboy High School graduate is in a drug-induced coma after suffering severe injuries in an explosion last week while on duty in Afghanistan.

SVM now features “Big Help” on its website, with a button on the home page.

Click here to check it out

Donations may be made in $10 increments; 100 percent of the money will be presented to the family.

Another way to contribute to the family is at Midland States Bank, which has branches in Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling and Oregon. The family has set up an account there.

SVM has been considering adding the Big Help feature to its website for a couple of months, said Trevis Mayfield, the company’s publisher.

“All we’re doing is being a conduit, making it easier for the community to give to Spc. Shoemaker and his family,” Mayfield said.

The company may use the Big Help feature to raise funds for other community efforts, he said.