Schultz Family Foundation Responds to Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Following the devastation of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent 7.5 magnitude aftershock on the early morning of February 6^th, Turkey and Syria have been left in a state of unthinkable tragedy and crisis. The human devastation and suffering are mounting as the death toll surpasses 30,000. An estimated additional 100,000 people are injured, and just as many people were left homeless as thousands of buildings collapsed.

To support the ongoing disaster recovery efforts, the Schultz Family Foundation today announced $100,000 in philanthropic grants to the following four organizations:

• Turkish Philanthropy Funds is a U.S. community foundation dedicated to Turkish communities. Thus far, they have deployed nearly $800K to local search and rescue teams, emergency supplies for displaced families and generators and mobile toilets for affected people in the region. You can also support them here.
• World Central Kitchen was launched more than ten years ago in response to a devastating earthquake in Haiti and has built a disaster response infrastructure that enables it to respond quickly in a time of need. The World Central Kitchen team is on the ground now in Turkey, distributing meals for survivors and first responders. You can also support them here.
• Doctors Without Borders teams, who began treating patients within hours of the first earthquake, are playing a critical role in addressing the medical needs in Turkey and northern Syria. With thousands of people injured and a debilitated medical infrastructure, emergency teams are assessing needs in the most affected areas. You can also support them here.
• International Rescue Committee staff is responding on the ground in Syria, where families already displaced by a civil war lack access to health care, electricity, and gas. International Rescue Committee has more than 1,000 staff in place who are providing health care and other emergency support including basic items like hygiene supplies, blankets, towels, and essential health services. You can also support them here.

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