Supporting earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria

We are devastated by the recent earthquakes which have caused enormous destruction in Turkey and Syria and encourage all who are able to support organizations involved in relief efforts.

Locally, the American Turkish Association of Southern California (ATASC) is raising funds and matching up to $3000. See their post for details.

Other ways you can help

There are many other organizations involved in relief efforts as well. This list was culled from the Washington Post and PBS Newshour. Be aware of scams when making donations.

UNICEF is on the ground in Turkey and Syria helping children and families in the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent are in Turkey and Syria, providing hot meals and drinks, shipping needed blood and plasma into affected areas, and providing survivors with psychosocial support.

Doctors Without Borders teams have already begun working in the affected areas, including at “impacted and overwhelmed” health facilities in northern Syria and are donating medical and essential life kits.

Oxfam said it is developing short and long term plans and its Turkish affiliate group partners with dozens of women’s cooperatives, and is working with them to assess what is needed.

Save the Children has established a response team in Turkey to support the national emergency response plan and working to assess the scale of damage and will support winterization and supply emergency kits.

Humanity & Inclusion plans to expand its team in Syria to help provide mental health and rehabilitation services and will be deploying some rehab specialists to Turkey aid emergency care victims.

The Syrian American Medical Society is providing urgent medical care.

CARE International is working to assess the most urgent needs in the area. Teams and partners are trying to deliver blankets, food, mattresses, tents and other non-food items to people in need amid harsh weather conditions.