Earthquakes are perhaps the world’s most terrifying natural disasters. They trigger the fight or flight mechanism yet neither is possible and aftershocks can continue for days. On February 6, while most people were fast asleep in the area, a massive quake occurred devastating vast sections of Eastern Turkey and Northern Syria. So far the death toll exceeds 35,000 souls and is expected to reach 50,000 or more. Millions have been left without shelter, belongings, and utilities. The cold winter weather is expected to kill many more of the unsheltered. The best way you can help the victims is by contributing financially.
One of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching is the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. It states, “A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring.” From the comfort of our suburban homes, so many miles from the devastating quake, it is not likely we can physically lend a hand in the rescue and recovery effort, but we can certainly give of our financial resources. Donating cash, rather than sending food, clothing, and other goods, helps organizations on the ground purchase locally, respond more rapidly, and jump start the economy in the process.
Here are some reputable charities that have hit the ground in both nations and could use your financial support.
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The needs of children affected by the quake are growing every day. Unicef focuses on their plight in both nations following the earthquake as well as children across the globe. You can designate your support to Turkish and Syrian children.
Syrian American Medical Society Foundation
According to their website, “In the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake, SAMS medical teams in northwest Syria are working around the clock and have treated at least 600 victims so far, as we work to treat many others injured and save as many lives as possible.”
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
In close collaboration with local partners, the CDP Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund provides vital resources to earthquake-affected communities as they work to rebuild and recover.
Plan International Inc. works passionately to understand and respond to the needs of children, particularly girls, and their families in Syria.
100% of all donations for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake are used solely on expenses related to supporting that response. Direct Relief has a long history of response in the region and is mobilizing medical requests and financial support.
The international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Church is already on the ground offering emergency relief efforts led by local partners with Caritas Turkey, Caritas Syria in Aleppo and Lattakia, and others. They are bringing displaced people to safe spaces and distributing hot meals, clean water, hygiene supplies, and other essentials.
There are many organizations mobilizing to support disaster relief and recover in both Syria and Turkey. These are just a few that have been vetted as 100% reliable. If you are searching on your own, The United Way offers this helpful Guide to Charitable Giving which offers some suggestions on how to ensure an organization is legitimate and your donation will go where you intend it.
As the Archdiocese of Newark states, “Along with financial support, prayer remains essential. Let us continue to offer our prayers to our brothers and sisters who mourn losses and face this devastation.”
