UPDATE AS OF MONDAY 3/20:

We are wrapping up our fundraising efforts for now. We are so grateful for the support from so many people in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey. It has been seven weeks since the massive earthquake and while people in Turkey and Syria are making huge efforts to return to normal, life is permanently changed for those in the region. Aftershocks continue to hit the region creating damage, both physically and emotionally. Millions are still displaced and struggling to get their basic needs met.

The death toll is over 50,000, 130,000 injured, 13.5 million people impacted and 4 million buildings affected.

We were able to collect $8,000.00 between GoFundMe and direct donations. Burak made our last delivery of the in-kind goods to the Turkish Consulate in Boston and the other collection spot in Medford this past Friday.

We strongly encourage people to continue to make cash donations to on-the-ground organizations.

Both Save The Children and World Central Kitchen are doing amazing work.

Save The Children

https://www.savethechildren.org/

White Helmets.org

https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/

World Central Kitchen

*************************************************************************

The outpouring of support locally has been amazing. We have been able to collect almost $8,000.00 as well as many vital in-kind donations.

We have purchased winter clothing, diapers, basic medical supplies, ten family-sized tents, and ninety sleeping bags with the funds collected thus far. We were also able to donate 60+ glucometers and blood pressure cuffs.

We have been working with another donation spot to drop off the many used clothing and sleeping bags local people have donated. Freerange Market in Medford is an independent grocery store specializing in Turkish and Middle East delicacies. They have turned their business into a sorting center for items collected for the people in Turkey.

Thank you for your patience as things change so quickly we feel your support and kindness.

In addition to the general support, we are so moved by how many people are checking in on Burak’s family specifically and offering love and support. Thankfully the family is safe and out of harm's way.

NEW ITEMS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY:

• sleeping bags

• tents

• pocket warmers

• over the counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil)

• basic toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, diapers, wipes, non-aerosol deodorant, non-liquid soap

Health Supplies (For use in the Field and Field Hospitals):

• ECG Device

• Defibrillator

• Glucometers

• Portable ultrasound

• Surgical kits (Abdominal set, retractor set etc.)

• Generator (35KWA LIGHT TOWER, 110 KWA, 56 KWA, 165KWA)

We will continue to collect items and funds. Please connect with me directly via email if you have any questions at [email redacted]

Truly all hands on deck. 

Please continue to support and share as you can. 

If you have connections in the healthcare industry please implore them to use their mite to support the region. 

Original story below with modified donation items list and drop-off locations. 

******************************

By now you will have heard about the catastrophic earthquakes which struck Turkey and Syria this morning. As many as 5,000 people have been killed with thousands still missing and assumed buried in the rubble. Thousands of buildings have collapsed prompting a massive rescue operation. The initial, 7.8-magnitude quake was felt across four countries and was followed by aftershocks and then a second (7.5-magnitude) quake in the afternoon.

At the time of this message, search teams have rescued almost 2,500 people caught under debris in Turkey. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the earthquake could cause up to 10,000 fatalities with initial damages of $1B in economic losses.

As a Turkish-American family with relatives living in the area, we are trying to get our heads around the impact this disaster is having on our loved ones. My husband's hometown, Adana, was struck directly by this earthquake. His sister’s and father’s homes have been destroyed. We are thankful they were not physically harmed. They are evacuating the area with only the clothes they slept in. Communications are spotty right now but we know they are making their way outside the destruction zone.

Obviously, with our direct and deep connections to Turkey, we want to help all those impacted.

We are reaching out to our family, small-town, artisan and entrepreneurial communities to rally support.

Ways to help:

1. If you are local, we will be collecting much-needed donations at three locations:

1. Our home.

Contact via email for the address.

2. The Center School    

403 Great Rd Stow (nonmedical items only)

3. Well-balanced Dog Training    

82 Main St. Maynard

We are working with the Turkish Consulate in Boston, which will handle shipping donations via Turkish Airlines. Local organizations on the ground will distribute items to those impacted.

We will continue to gather items and deliver them to the Turkish Embassy, most likely through March and deliver on a rolling basis. The need for specific items changes rapidly please check back as we modify the list

We will stop collecting clothing for now.

Here is what we will continue to accept.

ONLY NEW ITEMS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY:

• sleeping bags

• tents

• pocket warmers

• over the counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil)

• basic toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, diapers, wipes, non-aerosol deodorant, non-liquid soap

Health Supplies (For use in the Field and Field Hospitals): 

• ECG Device 

• Defibrillator

• Glucometers 

• Portable ultrasound 

• Surgical kits (Abdominal set, retractor set etc.) 

• Generator (35KWA LIGHT TOWER, 110 KWA, 56 KWA, 165KWA)

2. If you prefer to donate cash please use this GoFundMe. 

3. Donate to these on-the-ground organizations which will have an immediate impact on both Syria and Turkey.

Save The Children

https://www.savethechildren.org/

White Helmets.org

https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/

World Central Kitchen

 

4. Share this with your connections across your socials and email lists.

Please connect with me directly via email if you have any questions at [email redacted]

We are so thankful for any help you can offer.

Burak, Christine, Mazin, Maggie and Gigi