Following the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria on Monday, organizations across NYC and around the world are coming together to aid 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 five boroughs, here are ways you can help from New York:
1. Deliver in-kind donations to drop-off sites
NYC’s Turkish Consulate is helping ship donations to those in need via Turkish Airlines. They are currently collecting in-kind donations at these three drop-off sites from 10am-9pm:
- 344 E 46th Street, NY
- 300-2 route 17 south unit D, NJ
- Portx, Inc. 256 Paterson Plank Road, NJ
Donations must be:
New/unused
Clearly marked packages in terms of quantity/content
Needed donation items:
- Tents/sleeping bags
- Dry food/drinking water
- Bedding (blanket, pillow, duvet)
- Shipping containers
- Heaters
- Generators
📢 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
AT THIS POINT WE HAVE RECEIVED SUFFICIENT CLOTHING DONATIONS.
SHOULD AN ADDITIONAL NEED ARISE, ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE pic.twitter.com/6fGt0C3VsX
— TR Consulate NewYork (@TRConsulNY) February 12, 2023
Find additional drop-off locations across NYC provided by NYPD Muslim Officers Society and partners for needed items below:
Manhattan
- Islamic Cultural Center of New York
- Masjid Manhattan
Brooklyn
- American Turkish Eyup Sultan Cultural Center
- Council of Peoples Organization (COPO)
- Apna Brooklyn Community Center
- Brooklyn Islamic Center
Staten Island
- Albanian Islamic Central
- Muslim Majlis Staten Island
Queens
- ICNA Relief USA
- Dar Al Taqwa Islamic Center
- Jamaica Muslim Center
- Mimar Sinan Sunnyside Mosque
- MAS Ibn Sina Center
- Masjid Dar Al-Dawah
- Masjid Al-Iman
- Barriers
Bronx/Yonkers
- Madinah Masjid
- Grand Roosevelt Ballroom / Nawab Restaurant
Long Island
- NY Turkish American Center
- Islamic Center of Long Island
- Masjid Hamza Islamic Center
2. Support local businesses giving back
Ahmet Kiranbay and Armando Litiatco, owners of Turkish restaurant Rana Fifteen in Park Slope, Brooklyn, hosted a brunch fundraiser this past weekend (2/11-2/12) from 11am-3pm. All proceeds from the event are being donated to Bridge to Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund. Stay tuned in case additional events are created.
3-9. Make a donation to trusted international 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. Here are some reputable organizations suggested by nyc.gov and the New York Times:
- International Red Cross
- Doctors Without Borders
- Oxfam
- OCHA
- Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
- Mercy Corps
- Turkish Philanthropy Funds
10-11. Attend a fundraiser
- A series of concerts will be held at DROM next weekend (Feb. 18-Feb. 19) to raise money for the Turkish Philanthropy Fund and Basmeh Zeitooneh (Syria). 100% of the proceeds from event will be donated to the non-governmental organization working in those regions. Doors open at 5pm on both nights and feature a variety of talented artists. See more here.
- A raffle fundraiser will also be held on Feb. 15 at Lowlands Bar from 4pm – 2am. There will be prizes to win from local businesses, Turkish pastries and drinks.