Where to Give to Support People Impacted by Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks devastated wide areas of Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6. Centered near Gazaintep in southern Turkey, the effects were felt as far away as Lebanon and Israel. As of February 8, the death toll has surpassed 11,700, making this the deadliest quake worldwide in more than a decade. 

Many survivors are in urgent need of medical help and have been left without food or shelter. Rescue teams are facing shortages of trucks and fuel. 

Locally, Oasis International Ministries Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund is raising money for relief efforts through Oasis’ American contacts living in Turkey. These individuals have provided tents, blankets, food, fuel, and feminine hygiene products. In a Facebook post, Oasis stated: “We know there are many Syrian refugees living near the epicenter who have had to start over once…now they have lost everything again.” Also locally, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis will host a fundraiser for the Syrian American Medical Society. Details will be posted on their website. 

We have compiled a list of organizations that have set up funds or are taking donations to support the people and families impacted by the natural disaster. We will continue to add to this list as we verify more organizations. 

• CARE Turkey Syria Earthquakes Fund
  • CARE works to reach tens of thousands of vulnerable people with emergency food, health services, shelter, and more. 

• Doctors Without Borders
  • Teams from Doctors Without Borders have been responding in northern Syria since the first hours of the disaster to distribute emergency trauma and surgery kits, blankets, hygiene kids, and food items. Ambulances and extra staff members have been dispatched to hard-hit healthcare facilities. 

• Islamic Relief USA
  • Islamic Relief is working with local partners to distribute immediate emergency relief. Families are receiving cash assistance to help pay for food, water, and medicine. 

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies *
  • IFRC has sprung into action to provide critical humanitarian aid to affected communities, with an aim to support 300,000 people in 10 cities who have been severely affected, mainly due to the demolition of their houses. Note: at time of writing, the American Red Cross has not launched any fundraising efforts associated with this natural disaster. 

• Jewish Federations of North America Disaster Relief Fund
  • The Jewish Federations of North America has set up a disaster response relief fund to help aid victims of the earthquake. 

• Mercy Corps
  • Mercy Corps is assessing needs and providing emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene activities, working to deliver essential supplies to communities affected by the earthquake. 

• Project HOPE Disaster Relief Fund 
  • A U.S.-based international humanitarian aid nonprofit has deployed emergency response teams to Turkey and Syria. 

• Save the Children Emergency Fund
  • The Children’s Emergency Fund supports efforts to provide children impacted by the disaster with food, shelter, and warm clothing. 

• Syrian American Medical Society Foundation (SAMS)
  • SAMS medical teams in northwest Syria are working around the clock and have treated hundreds of victims. SAMS-supported hospitals and medical facilities are overwhelmed with patients, creating an immediate need for trauma supplies. 

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Donors who have a fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation can make a grant recommendation via Fund Central or by contacting their relationship manager.

* Denotes organizations which are not eligible for gifts from donor advised funds. Please contact a member of our donor services team or your relationship manager with any questions.