How to donate to earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts in Turkey and Syria
A strong series of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria destroyed thousands of buildings and killed more than 11,000 people and counting. Thousands were left homeless amid the deafening winter cold, and more than 40,000 people were injured as of Wednesday in Turkey alone.
Amid the massive piles of rubble, rescue workers became increasingly desperate for life. Stunning images of miraculous rescues have surfaced online, including video of a child being pulled out from under a massive slab of concrete.
Humanitarian aid poured in from around the world to help with rescue operations, medical supplies, and the provision of food and shelter.
USA TODAY has identified dozens of humanitarian organizations that are accepting donations from the public to support their efforts to support victims in Turkey and Syria. Here’s what you should know about them.
Live Updates: Turkey and Syria earthquake deaths exceed 11,000; Weather now a threat to the homeless
Deadliest quake in more than a decade: Earthquakes in Turkey, Syria are among the deadliest in recent history
Charity Navigator Tips
Charity Navigator, which ranks charities, shares the following tips for donating to disaster relief.
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Donate to reputable, registered charities.
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Monetary donations are most effective.
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Consider making monthly donations to long-term recovery efforts, as many disaster relief groups see donations dwindle after just a few weeks.
Charity Navigator has also published its own list of organizations helping in Syria and Turkey.
Turkish Red Crescent (Red Cross Partner)
Red Crescent organizations in both Turkey and Syria said their teams would assist with the rescue and relief efforts on Monday. Both organizations are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, an international network of disaster relief organizations.
The American Red Cross said 900 Turkish Red Crescent workers and volunteers were distributing food and medical aid.
Turkish Red Crescent solicits monetary donations on Twitter:
Syrian Red Crescent (Red Cross Partners)
In Syria, the Red Crescent supported the evacuation and search efforts of the victims, the Red Cross said. The Syrian Red Crescent had not set up a donations page as of Monday, but volunteers interested in joining the organization can find more information here.
Syrian American Medical Society
The Syrian American Medical Society is an international medical aid organization that has been providing medical care to victims of war in north-west Syria for years. The group has set up an earthquake relief fund and its teams are currently providing earthquake relief.
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders is another humanitarian medical aid organization.
The non-profit organization said its staff is providing medical supplies and support to 23 hospitals treating earthquake victims in Idlib and Aleppo, Syria. It launched a fundraising page for its earthquake recovery efforts.
Damaged archaeological sites: Earthquake destroys parts of the nearly 2,000-year-old Turkish castle in Gaziantep
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 send teams to affected communities in Turkey and Syria.
In a new press release, the organization asked for the following donations:
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Tens of thousands of tents and heaters for the tents
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tens of thousands of blankets
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thermal clothing
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Ready meals for at least 5,000 people
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First Aid Kits
The organization said interested donors should contact Alper Mavi, a regional program coordinator, on +90 538 5159806 or [email protected]
You can also contact the Group Vice President Muzaffer Baca on +90 532 2344229 or [email protected]
Global Giving
GlobalGiving connects emergency nonprofit organizations around the world with donors. The group set up a Disaster Relief Fund to support reconstruction efforts in Turkey and Syria.
save the kids
Save The Children, the international youth welfare group, set up an emergency relief fund for earthquake victims on Monday. Here you can donate.
Project HOPE
Project HOPE, a US-based nonprofit international humanitarian aid organization, said it has deployed emergency response teams to Turkey and Syria and set up a disaster relief fund.
Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America set up a Disaster Relief Relief Fund to help victims of the quake. The organization has a history of helping respond to natural disasters in the United States and abroad.
Earthquake damage in Turkey: Photos capture the devastating aftermath of a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake
Other organizations helping earthquake victims
Featuring: John Bacon and Jorge Ortiz, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria: Where to donate
