“Nebraskans looking to support those affected by the Feb. 6 earthquakes near the Turkish-Syrian border have a variety of organizations to which they can donate.
The death toll has climbed to over 33,000 in the wake of the earthquakes and their powerful aftershocks. Crews have been working to recover those trapped under the rubble, but efforts are beginning to shift from rescue to clean-up and supporting survivors.
“Contributions are going to provide things to non-sectarian disaster relief efforts of all kinds of organizations, including basic first aid kits, thousands of tents and tent heaters, tens of thousands of blankets and thermal clothing and prepared foods for survivors,” Bob Goldberg, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha said.
His organization is directing donations to an earthquake relief fund set up by its parent organization, the Jewish Federations of North America.
“It’s one of our natural outreaches to provide responses to global crises, aiding vulnerable populations and individuals of all faiths in hard hit places,” Goldberg said.
Other groups in Nebraska have suggestions for how people can help.
Catholic Social Services advises contributing to Catholic Relief Services or the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. Lutheran Family Services suggests donating to Church World Service, and the Islamic Foundation of Lincoln says to contribute to the White Helmets, Syrian-American Medical Society or Islamic Relief USA.
By donating to the national organization, aid will reach those in need sooner, Goldberg said.
“We want to make sure that those that want to make a difference, those that want to help, have the ability to get those resources into direct service providers’ hands as efficiently and as quickly as possible,” he said.”
