How to help Turkey and Syria earthquake victims
Many of us are wondering how we can help the people in Turkey and Syria who have been affected by the Feb. 6 earthquake that devastated vast regions of both countries. The following is a list of charitable and humanitarian organizations that are aiding the relief effort:
The White Helmets – The White Helmets, also known as the Syria Civil Defense, are a humanitarian aid organization that operates in areas of war-torn Syria where public services no longer function.
Syrian American Medical Society – The Syrian American Medical Society is an international medical relief organization that has provided assistance since 2011 to victims of war in Syria.
Doctors Without Borders – A global humanitarian network that provides medical care, supplies and support to people in Syria and more than 70 other countries.
International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation – The International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation has offices in Gaziantep, Turkey, near the epicenter of the quake, and has been working to dispatch teams to affected communities in both Turkey and Syria. Their regional program coordinator can be reached at [email protected].
GlobalGiving – An organization that connects emergency relief nonprofits around the world with donors.
Save the Children – An international youth humanitarian aid group that has teams on the ground to help earthquake victims.
Project HOPE – A U.S.-based international humanitarian aid nonprofit that has deployed emergency response teams to Turkey and Syria.
Jewish Federations of North America – An international organization with a mission of supporting Jewish people and the broader community that has set up a disaster relief fund to help victims of the quake.
Bridge to Turkey Fund– Founded by Turkish-American volunteers, the Bridge to Turkey Fund has raised more than $400,000 so far to help earthquake victims in Turkey.
Islamic Relief USA – The nonprofit is working with local partners to distribute emergency relief funds to Turkish residents and Syrian refugees affected by the earthquake.
Empowering the Turkish-American Community USA – The organization has established an emergency earthquake relief fund that has raised more than $80,000. ETAC USA has chapters throughout the Bay Area, including Hayward and Santa Clara.
ICNA Relief – ICNA Relief seeks to alleviate human suffering by providing caring and compassionate service to victims of adversity and survivors of disasters.
Americares – Established in 1979, Americares is a health-focused nonprofit that has provided $20 billion in aid to people in 164 countries. It has established an emergency fund to provide medicine, supplies and support to earthquake victims.
CARE – A leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, CARE is working to rush emergency aid such as food and cold weather supplies to earthquake victims.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. The organization has launched two emergency appeals to generate support for victims of the earthquake.
UNICEF USA – UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect and support children. UNICEF is on the ground helping children and families impacted by the quake.
The International Rescue Committee – The organization is providing emergency services to families in Turkey and Syria, including cash assistance, hygiene supplies and safe spaces for women and children.
Oxfam – A global organization that fights inequality, Oxfam is working with local partners in Turkey and Syria to determine the best ways to help earthquake survivors.