As earthquake death toll grows, NJ steps up relief efforts

Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.com
·2 min read

One week after a devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, New Jersey nonprofits, businesses and municipalities are continuing to collect supplies and financial donations to support relief efforts.

The earthquake, deemed one of the worst natural disasters this century, has killed at least 35,000 people, toppled thousands of buildings and left tens of thousands injured. Millions of people, now homeless, are living in frigid temperatures in streets, cars and tents with a lack of food, water and fuel.

In the past week, volunteers filled 40-foot trailers of donated supplies at businesses, mosques and municipal buildings throughout New Jersey, while local nonprofits and GoFundMe pages reported generous donations. More efforts are underway in North Jersey, an area that is home to large Turkish and Syrian communities.

Donations to aid the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were collected at a firehouse in Prospect Park, NJ on February 11, 2023.
Donations to aid the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were collected at a firehouse in Prospect Park, NJ on February 11, 2023.

Organizers are accepting donations of new winter coats, gloves, hats, tents and sleeping bags; blankets; shoes; baby diapers, wipes and formula; over-the-counter medication; flashlights and batteries; pocket warmers; hygiene products; thermos bottles; non-perishable foods; lanterns; portable heaters and first-aid kits. They can be dropped off at these locations:

  • Mayor's office at Paterson City Hall, 155 Market St., Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Feb. 24. (973) 321-1600.

  • Portx Inc., 256 Paterson Plank Road, Carlstadt, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Feb. 28. (201) 426-0865.

  • Montvale Senior Community Center, 1 Memorial Drive, Saturday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (201) 391-6464.

  • Palestinian American Community Center, 388 Lakeview Ave., Clifton, Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (973) 253-6145. In addition to new winter items, it also is accepting health supplies including defibrillators, portable ultrasound, glucometer, surgical kids, generators and ECG devices.

Volunteers and nonprofits are also organizing fundraising appeals. Charity Navigator, which ranks charities, advises that monetary donations are the most effective way to give, allowing groups working on the ground to quickly buy supplies and address changing needs. Charity Navigator also encourages people to commit to monthly donations for long-term recovery efforts, as disaster relief groups typically see donations taper off after a few weeks.

Donations to aid the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were collected at a firehouse in Prospect Park, NJ on February 11, 2023.
Donations to aid the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were collected at a firehouse in Prospect Park, NJ on February 11, 2023.

The organization has released a list of reputable charities providing earthquake relief and recovery, including the Syrian American Medical Society, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders.

Other highly rated charities based in New Jersey include:

  • Embrace Relief, a nonprofit in Fairfield, is seeking donations to meet urgent needs of the victims and to help support the rebuilding efforts. www.embracerelief.org.

  • Swasia, a nonprofit based in Wayne, is aiding victims in Northern Syria, including many war refugees who were already living in dire conditions. Emergency response will cover food baskets, cooked meals, blankets, heating and medical supplies and many other necessities. www.swasia.org.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ residents support relief effort for earthquake victims