DENVER — Organizations here in Colorado are focusing on survivors as they begin to collect donations for those who lost everything.
Earthquakes devastated Turkey and Syria on Monday. More than 7,000 people have died. Officials expect that number to rise.
The Turkish American Cultural Society of Colorado (TACSCO) created collection sites to help those in need overseas.
"My family is actually 150 kilometers away from the epicenter but they felt it that far away and were woken up," Sinan Sahin, a board member with TACSCO said. "Obviously for us that’s a relief but there’s many casualties that we know of, that is heartbreaking for us and the community around here."
Sahin said following news of the earthquake, members acted fast to coordinate relief efforts and the response was overwhelming. Their plan was to finish sorting and packing donated items Friday night for shipment on Saturday.
TACSCO plans a second shipment and is taking donations through Tuesday, Feb.14, at:
- Aurora: 18000 E. 22nd Ave.
- Golden: Adventure in Colors, 1800 Jackson St. #214
TACSCO is collecting a variety of items. A list of all the items is on their social media pages.
"The news that I’m hearing from friends that are directly affected they’re in tents, they’re on safe locations, but they are not inside their homes," Sahin said.
Board members with TACSCO told 9NEWS they plan to deliver the donations to the Consulate's Office in Los Angeles where they will then be transported to the region. They are also accepting monetary donations. Within a few days they have raised more than $19,000. TACSCO said they will continue to collect items as needed.
"As long as the donations are coming in and as long as there is a need we will continue to do so," Sahin said.
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