Help for Turkey and Syria
What can you do?
The death toll is rising in Turkey and Syria — the latter which has already torn by a year's-long violent conflict — after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on Monday.
The images take our breath away.
How can you help? Just about every better-known relief agency is on the ground, but sometimes, organizations based in the area can do the most good. This is called trust-based philanthropy, and if you’re nervous, do some research before donating. Charity Navigator is a good place to double-check relief organizations. So is Guidestar.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is an excellent resource, as well.
Whatever we can do, we continue to hold the people of Turkey and Syria in our hearts.
Musings: In times like these, which are all-the-time lately, I remember Teresa of Calcutta's words, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."
That said, I have been giving to World Central Kitchen (Ukraine, Florida, Turkey), because the world is my home and the people there are my (extended) family. But it sure does feel like a drop of water in a desert of need.
Unfortunately the death toll will most certainly rise in the coming days , weeks and probably months
Aide to the affected areas is hampered by obstacles such as roads destroyed and blocked by crumbling buildings , a lack of trucks , sun zero temperatures coupled with heating and electrical outages
The state department announced that they will not be lifting sanctions in Syria
It seems like the perfect storm of tragic conditions