Responding to the Turkey / Syria Earthquakes

Dear Members of the Tufts International Community:

The International Center wishes to extend its most heartfelt condolences and expressions of sympathy to our students, scholars, faculty and staff who have been impacted by the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria last week. Whether you have family and friends in the affected areas or are simply coping with the staggering loss and extreme challenges these countries are now facing, please know we are here to offer support and guidance. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our staff at the I-Center, as well as other campus resources listed below, for help and support

• Counseling and Mental Health Services, including 24/7 emergency services
• University Chaplaincy
• Dean of Student Affairs office

In addition, we also wish to present this developing list of resources for anyone who is interested in providing support to relief efforts.

• The Tufts Students of Turkey Association is currently operating (through February 16) donation events and fundraisers to support relief efforts at the Mayer Campus Center on the Medford / Somerville campus. Especially needed items accepted for donations include: masks, baby food, flashlights, warm gloves, blankets, pocket warmers, tents, pacifiers, sleeping bags, and over-the-counter medication for flu, cold, and painkillers, and sanitary products. Cash donations also accepted. All donations will be given to the Turkish Consulate in Boston for delivery to Turkey.

National and International Disaster Relief Efforts. For anyone who would like to contribute to the relief efforts, here are a few organizations that are welcoming donations at this time:

• Syrian American Medical Society
• Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund
• Turkish Philanthropy Fund
• International Rescue Committee
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
• Oxfam
• Mercy Corps
• Save the Children
• American Red Cross

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.

Sincerely,

The Tufts International Center Team