The Gillispie community mourns, along with the rest of the world, the devastation and loss of life caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.
Many countries, including the United States, are sending search and rescue teams. Local groups are fundraising to continue humanitarian efforts in the Middle East. Here are some ways you can help:
- UNICEF’s emergency response prioritizes water, sanitation and hygiene, child protective services, nutrition, and education. To donate to UNICEF’s efforts, visit www.unicefusa.org
- The Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. is collecting clothing and medical donations to ship overseas. Place any of the listed items below in clear bags and mail them to the Turkish Embassy at 2525 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. in Washington, D.C., zip code 20008.
- blankets, tents, sleeping bags, pocket warmers, winter clothing, over-the-counter medications, and pain killers for cold and flu.
- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent: Turkish Red Crescent Teams — part of the International Red Cross — in Turkey and Syria are providing hot meals and drinks, shipping needed blood and plasma into affected areas, and providing survivors with psychosocial support. The Turkish Red Crescent said it has mobilized 77 catering vehicles, five mobile kitchens, and nearly 2,000 tents. To donate and learn more, visit www.ifrc.org.
Many local churches and synagogues are also mobilizing to support relief efforts.