As the death toll from Monday’s deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria passes 20,000 people, charities across the US are fundraising to support earthquake victims in both countries.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is collecting funds for its disaster response emergency fund, which supports “immediate cash assistance” in affected areas, reported the New York Times.
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, a nonprofit that has provided healthcare services within Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey since 2012, is seeking donations to fund medical support in north-west Syria, particularly given the great need in the area.
Organizations like the Syrian American Medical Society are collecting funds to support medical efforts in the area, with at least seven of its hospitals and medical facilities damaged due to the earthquake.
Islamic Relief, a faith-based organization that has provided disaster relief since 1984, is providing emergency medical care, shelter and funds to those impacted by the earthquake in Turkey, reported NBC News.
The nonprofit is working to organize medical supplies for hospitals and healthcare centers in Syria, as well as blankets for displaced peoples.
In New York, groups like the Long Island’s Turkish Cultural Center is collecting money for those impacted by the earthquake, reported NBC New York.
New York City officials have also published a portal to connect those interested in donating to charities helping on the ground, including the International Red Cross, Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders.
Turkish consulates in several US cities, including New York and Washington DC, are collecting either mail-in or in-person donations for various supplies: blankets, tents, pocket warmers, sleeping bags, over-the-counter medications (cold, flu and over-the-counter painkillers), and winter clothing such as jackets, gloves and headgear.
For those wanting to help in the wake of such deadly earthquakes, there are a number of ways to ensure that funds are going to the appropriate place.
Those interested in helping should research organizations prior to donating.
Experts say that it is crucial to support local organizations that have a presence in affected areas or nonprofits that have established connections to local groups.
Never provide personal details, bank account information, or other information without verifying the organization or individual collecting donations.
Charity monitoring platforms such as CharityWatch and CharityNavigator provide analysis on charities asking for donations, including what amount of donations go to operational costs versus providing direct relief.
Prospective donors are encouraged to report any charities suspected of committing fraud to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud.
