Following the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday, organizations across Houston and around the world are coming together to aid in any way that they can.
Scoring 7.8 on the local magnitude scale, the natural disaster has been deemed a “major earthquake,” according to the New York Times. The current death toll has passed more than 20,000.
Between fundraising efforts and donation drop-offs across the five boroughs, here are ways you can help from Houston:
1. Deliver in-kind donations to drop-off sites
ANNOUNCEMENT
The updated list of the urgent in-kind assistance, needed in the disaster region, is provided below:@HMuratMercan pic.twitter.com/xa3l1c6XjI— Turkish Embassy DC (@TurkishEmbassy) February 6, 2023
Houston’s Turkish Consulate is helping ship donations to those in need via Turkish Airlines. They are currently collecting in-kind donations at its address at 5333 Westheimer Rd #1050.
Donations must be:
New/unused
Clothing for winter conditions
Clearly marked packages in terms of quantity/content
Needed donation items:
Tents/sleeping bags
Dry food/drinking water
Bedding (blanket, pillow, duvet)
Winter clothing (jackets, gloves, boots)
Wet wipes/sanitary napkins
2. Support the Syrian American Club of Houston
The Syrian American Club of Houston is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 in an effort to harbor a sense of community for its members. Today, the organization hosts numerous events for social and philanthropic purposes.
In reaction to the tragic earthquake, the Syrian American Club of Houston released a statement encouraging those to donate to the Disaster Relief Fund at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), where the Syrian American Club of Houston would match 50 cents to the dollar to either:
- Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which are presently delivering an on-the-ground response in Syria (or)
- Oxfam America, which provides long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction, as well as water, sanitation, food support and more.
Those can also donate directly to the Syrian American Club of Houston at their page, who will then “forward your donation to 501(c)3 organizations that operate in the affected areas”.
3-8. Make a donation to trusted international organizations
Making a cash donation is one of the easiest and quickest ways to join in the relief efforts. However, it’s crucial to ensure you are donating to creditable organizations. Here are some reputable organizations suggested by nyc.gov and the New York Times:
- International Red Cross
- Doctors Without Borders
- Oxfam
- OCHA
- Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
- Mercy Corps