Dear friends,
As we all know, the recent earthquake in Turkey has left many families homeless and struggling to survive in the harsh winter conditions. So many people have lost their homes. I woke this morning in my warm bed thinking about how so many others are spending a freezing night in their car because they are afraid to go into one of the buildings that might yet fall down. As the need for warm and safe shelter is more pressing than ever, I’ve never been more aware of how we are all one human family.
The American Turkish Association, in partnership with the embassy, Turkish Airlines, and Turkish Coffee Lady, is leading a coordinated effort to provide aid to those affected by the disaster. They are currently collecting donations of essential items. They are asking for the following:
Tents
Blankets
Pocket Warmers
Sleeping Bags
Baby Food/Formula
Baby Diapers/Wipes
Flash Lights
Powerbanks
Over-the-counter medications for flu, cold and pain killers
American Turkish Association, headquartered in DC have set up a coordinated effort with the embassy and Turkish Airlines and Turkish Coffee Lady to get these items to individual people who need them. People can drop off or have the above items shipped to :
Turkish Coffee Lady, Earthquake Relief
1001 King Street
Alexandria VA 22314
From that location items will be transported to Turkish Airlines who will fly them into Turkey and hand them off to relief workers rotating into the affected areas. More info about that effort and other places to send cash are in this article;
Best regards,
Karen Saint Rain