On February 6, 2023, a major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck a large area spanning from the southern part of Turkey to the northern part of Syria. More than 40,000 people have died and thousands more are injured and left without homes or families. The devastation is heartbreaking and unimaginable. Every little bit we can do to show support will help provide life-giving essentials to those in critical need.
Charities for Earthquake Relief
Those impacted by the earthquake, many of whom were already living in crisis, need the world's support to rebuild their lives. We have vetted each of these charities to ensure they are legitimate options for you to donate to. However, there are many local places of worship, schools, and community centers doing their part in collecting donations to send overseas. As long as you trust the organization, anything we can do will help.
Syrian American Medical Society
The Syrian American Medical Society provides medical care specifically in Syria, Turkey, and a few surrounding countries. Their team is giving medical care to earthquake survivors and has to date treated almost 2,000 victims of the earthquake. However, some of their own medical facilities were also damaged in the earthquake and are being evacuated, so they're in need of urgent assistance.
Donate to Syrian American Medical Society
NuDay Syria
NuDay supports women and children who live without the support of men, including during emergency and disaster situations in Syria. A donation to NuDay will go towards helping such women and children who are survivors of this earthquake.
Donate to NuDay Syria
Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs is dedicated to providing thousands of hot meals to survivors of the earthquake. Your money can help them provide more food to more people, which will be desperately needed in the weeks and months to come.
Donate to Mercy Chefs
Save the Children
Save the Children focuses on children's rights to a future. They offer support by providing necessities for a quality life, as well as education and protection. They also provide global support to communities in need and help with emergency responses to specific crises, including the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Donate to Save the Children
American Humane
Disastrous events also affect animals. American Humane has stepped in to assist in the recovery and care of rescued animals in the impacted areas.
Donate to American Humane
More Charities to Donate To:
These larger organizations are providing overall support and relief to the earthquake disaster in Turkey, offering different types of aid.
Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief has been providing aid in Turkey for many years, including support to Syrian refugees in Turkey. This nonprofit is working with local organizations to provide immediate support to survivors of the earthquake and plan for the longer-term disaster relief.
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has been on the disaster site since the earthquake occurred. They've treated thousands of injured survivors, plus are working to provide medical care, food, first aid and hygiene kits, and shelters for those who have been displaced.
Donate to Doctors Without Borders
Red Crescent and Red Cross
As some of the world's larger international nonprofits, Red Crescent and Red Cross have been on the scene since the earthquake struck. They offer aid in emergency situations such as this one, providing food and medical care to survivors.
Donate to Red Crescent/Red Cross
All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts provides on-site disaster relief in emergency situations. They're part of the crew working in Turkey to offer recovery and relief in collaboration with other on-site teams.
Donate to All Hands and Hearts
Shelterbox
Shelterbox provides aid specifically to those in need of shelter. With the cold temperatures in the region affected by this earthquake, survivors are in urgent need of a safe place to sleep. Donations to Shelterbox are not tied to this specific cause, but an overall fund, some of which will go to this cause.
Donate to Shelterbox
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) aids in the growth and overall well-being of areas in need, and offers support in the world's worst crises. They have teams on-site to assist in rescue efforts and develop a plan for the long-term displacement of the many people who've lost their homes and families.
How to Vet a Charity
This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other charities who are also helping survivors of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. If you find another organization that you align with and want to support, just make sure it is an accredited organization and will use your donation appropriately. There are a few websites that help you vet charities for reassurance:
These sites will show you reviews and financial spending breakdowns, so you can be aware of what your money is going towards.
Every Donation Helps
The earthquake in these two nations destroyed thousands of people's lives. No matter how big or small your donation is, you can make a difference in someone's life. Together we can help Turkey and Syria rebuild their communities.
