Los Angeles and those around the world are coming together to aid the people of Turkey and Syria in any way that they can.
Scoring 7.8 on the local magnitude scale, the natural disaster has been deemed a “major earthquake,” according to the New York Times. The current death toll has passed more than 20,000.
Between fundraising efforts and donation drop-offs across the city, here are ways you can help from Los Angeles:
1. ATASC
ATASC is collecting sleeping bags, tents, hand warmers, warm winter clothes, generators, and more. These donations can be dropped off at the local Turkish Consulate. You can also donate online at atasc.org.
📍 Drop-off locations (Visit their Instagram for updated locations):
- 8500 Wilshire Blvd #900, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
- 153 S June StLos Angeles, CA 9000
💻 Online donations: atasc.org
📱Zelle/PayPal donations: treasurer@atasc.org
2. Support the Turkey/ Syria Earthquakes Fund through Hasan Piker’s fundraising efforts
Los Angeles Twitch streamer and Turkish American Hasan Piker, known as Hasanabi on the site, has raised over a million dollars with the incredible help of his viewers and platform. You can help further the cause by donating here. All donations will be made to CARE Turkey, CARE Syria, AKUT, and Ahbap.
He’s also been covering news coming from Syria and Turkey for the past few days, and you can view his live stream here.
3-8. Make a donation to trusted organizations
Making a cash donation is one of the easiest and quickest ways to join in the relief efforts. However, it’s crucial to ensure you are donating to creditable organizations. If you feel uneasy about the legitimacy on a fundraiser, you can use Charity Navigator to check out their ratings. (If your curious how their rating system works, you can read about that here.)
Here are of the highest-rated charities according to Charity Navigator for Turkey and Syria earthquake relief efforts:
- Syrian American Medical Society Foundation (100% rating)
- Turkish Philanthropy Funds Inc. (100% rating)
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy (100% rating)
- Doctors Without Borders (91%)
- Plan International Inc. (100% rating)
- Direct Relief (100% rating)
Find more organizations here.
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