Here’s how to help: Turkey/Syria quake relief as death toll surpasses 44K

A new 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Hatay province this week, an area that was devastated by massive tremor two weeks ago.

The border regions of Turkey and northern Syria already had a death toll surpassing 44,800, from the initial catastrophe according to the Associated Press.

Several organizations in the Chicagoland area and worldwide have dedicated their efforts to provide ample assistance amid the humanitarian crisis.

Here are some accredited, in-depth organizations taking monetary donations to directly help the cause:

Donation sites

• Support the White Helmets

• We are with you | Ghiras Al-Nahda (ghirasalnahda.com)

• Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA

• Turkey Earthquake Relief (hhrd.org)

• Best Charity Organizations in USA | Rahma Worldwide (rahmaww.org)

• Zakat Foundation of America

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is also gathering physical supplies to send to the catastrophe-stricken region.

Items needed:

1. Kids and adult Winter clothing  

2. Boots, raincoats, pullovers, 

3. Gloves, scarves, hats, 

4. Socks, undergarments

5. Tents, blankets, sleeping bags, 

6. Flashlights, power bank, generators 

7. Baby food, diapers 

8. Cleaning supplies, toiletries 

Drop-off locations are listed below:

• TACA Building: 3845 North Harlem Avenue, Weekdays: 4 pm to 7 pm; Saturday noon to 5 pm; Sunday 10 am to 4 pm 

• Turkish Consulate in Chicago: 455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive #2900, Weekdays 9 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

• SAMS Warehouse: 16308 107th Avenue, Unit 10, Orland Park, IL 60467. Please call: (708) 971-9817.

Organizers said the donations will be transported through Turkish airlines and a collaboration with the Turkish Embassy to deliver the items to the impacted areas.  

Zakat Foundation of America has also been working alongside the Turkish government to heat a large shipment of in-kind donations to be directly sent to the country. Community members are invited to the Zakat Foundation headquarters in Bridgeview, IL to donate.

Items needed:

1. tents (temporary shelter tens for natural disasters)

2. Sanitary bags

3. Sanitary pads

4. Diapers

5. Hygiene items- tooth brushes, paste, etc.

6. Hand wipes

7. Infant formula

These items needed in all sizes:

1. Gloves

2. Scarves

3. Hats

4. Socks

5. Thermal ware

6. Blankets

7. Mylar blankets

8. Handwarmers

All items to be delivered to the Zakat Foundation of America headquarters: 7421 West 100th Place, Bridgeview, IL. 60455, 708-233-0555

Please call before delivery for acceptance arrangements. Donations will be accepted until February 27.

The organizations are accepting new items only.