ATLANTA — Rescuers are still hard at work searching for people under the rubble after two devastating earthquakes shook three provinces in Turkey and Syria last week. In Atlanta, several groups and organizations are working to provide aid.
The death toll has passed 35,000 after the magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 quakes that struck nine hours apart on Feb. 6 in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. The count is expected to increase as teams find more bodies.
Here are some places in Atlanta collecting needed items and monetary donations for to help support relief efforts.
According to its website, "Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce of the South, and other non-profits within the region are organizing efforts in collaboration with the Miami Turkish Consulate General and Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. to collect and send necessary aid to the region, that has been (affected) by the massive earthquakes."
Collection site and hours
5201 Brook Hollow Pkwy. Suite C Norcross, GA 30071
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday/Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Donate goods
Their current list of needs are:
- Weatherproof tents (thermal)
- Weatherproof sleeping bags (adult and kid size)
- Winter shoes, gloves, and winter hats and scarves
- Kids and babies' clothing, all sizes and kinds
- Male and female underwear
- Thermal underwear and winter socks
- Baby Food (dry), baby bottles, pacifiers, and toddler goods
- Diapers (both baby and adult)
- Medical/surgical masks and gloves
(Please keep in mind that the region currently has harsh winter conditions, please pay attention to your clothing choices, and make sure it is temperature rated and durable for cold weather)
Purchase goods for donation or make monetary contributions
Their drop-off locations do not accept monetary donations, but people can use the Turkish government agency website to make donations.
The agency said that donations are being both processed and shipped by direct flights to Turkey thanks to donations from Turkish Airlines.
Other local website donations
- Turkish Philanthropy Funds' Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund
- Bridge to Turkiye - Bi̇zi̇m Türki̇yemi̇z Relief Fund
- CARE - Turkey Syria Earthquakes Fund
- Turkish-American Atlanta high schoolers’ GoFundMe fundraiser aiding AHBAP, a Turkish NGO
- MAP International - Emergency earthquake relief fund
Many areas around metro Atlanta have teamed up with national websites as well, here are a few to consider.
Amazon wish list in Roswell
- Purchase goods off the Roswell Community Masjid’s Amazon wish list
This story will be updated as more resources become available. Want to add to our list? Email us at WhereAtlantaSpeaks@11Alive.com.