Following Monday’s catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, Washingtonians have been among the many worldwide trying to find ways to offer aid. The devastation has left more than 20,000 people dead across both countries, with thousands more injured and displaced from their homes, and rescuers still searching through the rubble and destruction for survivors, according to the Washington Post. For residents of Washington, D.C. looking to help, here Secret D.C. has compiled a number of organizations and ways to get involved or offer much-needed support.
1. Drop donations at the Turkish Embassy
The Turkish Embassy in D.C. is hosting a donation drive that is accepting blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and additional winter clothing to send to Turkey.
Location: 2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW
2. Donate to the Syrian Emergency Task Force
This D.C.-based nonprofit, which typically advocates for and spearheads missions, has people on the ground who are joining the efforts to aid victims of the earthquake and are accepting donations to aid these efforts, as well as promoting the White Helmets and Afad—additional disaster relief organizations with first responders already on the ground.
3. Donate to the American Turkish Association of Washington D.C.
The American Turkish Association of Washington D.C. created the Kahramanmaras Earthquake Relief Fund, aiming to raise $50,000 to provide the earthquake survivors with food, water, medicine, and shelter.
4. Donate to the International Red Cross
The Red Cross is also accepting donations at this time (both of funds and of clothing and blankets) that will be sent to Syria and Turkey. They’ve also informed residents to keep an eye out, as blood donations may be needed in the near future.
5. Donate to Save the Children
Save the Children is accepting donations through its website to help give children in Syria and Turkey access to clothing, shelter, and food amid the crisis.
6. Get input from local restaurants
An Adams Morgan Turkish restaurant, Mezè, has called on patrons and Washingtonians to donate to AKUT, a search and rescue organization on the ground and in need of equipment and supplies to support their efforts.
7. Donate to the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington initiated a fundraiser in partnership with some of its overseas partners that will provide supplies and support relief efforts to those affected in Turkey and Syria.