A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday, February 6. Reported as the most devastating earthquake to strike the region in almost a century, it has flattened thousands of buildings while the death toll, currently over 5,000, continues to rise.
We have vetted a number of organizations that are providing desperately needed support, rescue and aid to the Turkish and Syrian people. If you are inspired to help, we recommend making a gift to one of the nonprofits listed below.
If you hold a Donor Advised Fund with us and would like to contribute through your Fund, email GrantsAdmin@napavalleycf.org or call our staff at 707.254.9565 x 18.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, better known as UNICEF, said it is in Syria and prioritizing water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition, and also focusing on helping unaccompanied children locate their families.
GlobalGiving, which helps local nonprofit agencies, is collecting donations to help fund emergency medical workers’ ability to provide food, shelter and medicine, among other necessities. As needs in Turkey and Syria change, the organization will focus on long-term assistance, it said.
OXFAM, an international organization that fights poverty, said it is working with women’s cooperatives in Turkey to determine an appropriate immediate and long-term response plan.
CARE, an organization that works with impoverished communities, is accepting donations that will go toward food, shelter and hygiene kits, among other items.
Doctors Without Borders, which responds to medical emergencies around the world, is accepting donations.
The Syrian American Medical Society, a United States-based humanitarian group that supplies medical care in Syria and nearby countries, is collecting donations to deliver emergency aid. At least one of its hospitals in northwestern Syria, Al Dana, received major damage.
Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children’s Emergency Fund, which will help provide children with food, shelter and warm clothing.
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, which since 2012 has provided medical relief and health care services inside Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey, is accepting donations.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is currently in Turkey and Syria providing high thermal blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, sleeping mats, winter clothing kits, and winter jackets.
The White Helmets, a volunteer-based organization made up of 3,000 volunteers who help the Syrian community, is raising funds for the acquisition of more equipment and supplies to continue numerous search and rescue operations in the region. You can make a financial contribution at the following link, managed by Voices Project USA Inc. (EIN 82-3505967).