Areas of Turkey and Syria were hit with a earthquake on Monday, February 6. The earthquake scored 7.8 on the local magnitude scale and the death toll has now surpassed 20,000. As rescue efforts and aid organizations mobilize, you may be wondering what you can do to help Turkey and Syria from Seattle. We put together this guide with a few different ways you can help today.
Here are four ways you can help Turkey and Syria from Seattle:
1. Mail essential items to the Turkish Consulate
You are welcome to send essential items to the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Consulates across the U.S. via mail, after which they will quickly be sent to Turkey via Turkish Airlines. Here is a list of the top priority items that are needed:
- Winter clothing (gloves, hats, jackets)
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Tents
- Pocket warmers
- Over-the-counter medicine for flu, cold, and pain killers
All items need to be in clear bags with an itemized list of the contents. The closest option for Seattleites is the Turkish Consulate General in Los Angeles and the mailing address is: 8500 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
You can find more mailing addresses and info on the website for the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
2. Donate to Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington
The Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington has put out a request for donations to their earthquake relief fundraiser.
You can make a donation on the TACAWA website.
They have also suggested asking your company to match your donation if possible.
3. Make a donation to trusted international organizations
You can also make a donation to an international organization that is currently providing aid. Some reputable organizations include:
- UNICEF
- International Red Cross
- Doctors Without Borders
- Mercy Corps
- Oxfam
- Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
- OCHA (UN Crisis Relief)
4. Spread the word
Finally, you can make use of your social media (or simply use word of mouth) to encourage others to act as well. Feel free to share this article or a link to one of the above organizations so others can donate as well.
We will keep you updated with ways to help Turkey and Syria as the situation unfolds.