How to donate in the US to aid victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Humanity’s most defenseless are among those affected by Monday’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than four million Syrians are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in the area.
The initial quake, measuring in at 7.8 on the Richter scale, was one of the strongest to hit the area in the last century, and as Detour previously reported, hit during a cholera epidemic and a particularly harsh winter. The death toll from the disaster, which was confirmed by the government on Thursday to be over 20,000, makes it more deadly than the earthquakes that hit the same country in 1999, which claimed the lives of around 17,000. By Sunday, it was estimated that over 80,000 had been injured and that millions had lost their homes.
In the midst of enormous piles of rubble, rescue workers continued their desperate search for survivors. Video of a child being rescued from under a huge slab of concrete is among the shocking images that have emerged online.
The death toll from recent earthquakes in both countries has prompted fundraising efforts in the United States on behalf of those affected. According to the New York Times, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is raising money for its emergency fund for disaster response, which supports “immediate cash assistance” in affected areas.
Due to the significant need in the region, the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, a non-profit that has been providing healthcare services in Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey since 2012, is requesting donations to fund medical support in northwest Syria.
At least seven hospitals and medical facilities in the area were damaged in the earthquake, prompting groups like the Syrian American Medical Society to raise money to support medical efforts in the area. According to NBC News, those affected by the earthquake in Turkey are receiving emergency medical care, shelter, and financial assistance from Islamic Relief, a faith-based organization that has been providing relief efforts since 1984.
The non-profit is tasked with assembling blankets for the homeless as well as medical supplies for Syrian hospitals and healthcare facilities. NBC New York reported that New York organizations, including the Turkish Cultural Center on Long Island, are collecting donations for earthquake victims.
To support their efforts in aiding victims in Turkey and Syria, several humanitarian organizations have been identified by USA TODAY and are currently accepting donations from the general public. Here is some information about them.
Turkish Red Crescent (Red Cross affiliate)
Turkish Red Crescent employees and volunteers are reportedly distributing food and medical aid, according to the American Red Cross.
Syrian Red Crescent (Red Cross affiliate)
According to the Red Cross, the Red Crescent is assisting with victim evacuation and search operations in Syria. On Wednesday, the Syrian Red Crescent tweeted a donation request.
The White Helmets
The White Helmets, also known as Syria Civil Defense, is a group that provides humanitarian aid in Syria’s rebel-held regions. The volunteer organization has prior experience helping the victims of the nation’s civil war. 3,000 volunteers, according to the White Helmets, have been brought in to assist in the search for earthquake victims. In order to fund its efforts, it requested donations.
Syrian American Medical Society
An international medical relief organization called the Syrian American Medical Society has been offering medical aid to war victims in northwest Syria for many years. The organization has established an earthquake relief fund, and its teams are currently offering assistance.
Doctors Without Borders
Humanitarian medical aid organizations like Doctors Without Borders are readily available. The charity reported that its employees were aiding 23 hospitals in Idlib and Aleppo, Syria, with the care of earthquake victims. It has begun accepting financial contributions for earthquake relief here.
International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation
With offices in Gaziantep, Turkey, close to the earthquake’s epicenter, the International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation was working to send teams to the impacted regions in both Turkey and Syria.
Tens of thousands of tents and tent heaters, thermal clothing, ready-to-eat meals for at least 5,000 people, first aid kits, and other supplies are being sought by the organization. Inquiries about donations should be directed to Alper Mavi, a regional program coordinator, at +90 538 5159806 or Alper.mavi@ibc.org.tr, according to the organization. They can also contact Muzaffer Baca, vice president of the organization, by email at mbaca@ibc.org.tr or by phone at +90 532 2344229.
GlobalGiving
Nonprofits providing international humanitarian aid can find donors through GlobalGiving. The organization has started a disaster relief fund to help with the rehabilitation in Turkey and Syria.
Save The Children
The international youth humanitarian organization Save The Children established an emergency relief fund for earthquake victims. You can send donations here.
Project HOPE
U.S.-based international aid organization Project HOPE has established a disaster relief fund and sent emergency response teams to Turkey and Syria.
These are some other groups that have stepped up to aid earthquake victims.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.
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This story was originally published February 13, 2023 at 7:19 AM with the headline "How to donate in the US to aid victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria."