Learn how you can help victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the town board last week organized a collection drive to provide support for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the earthquakes and aftershocks that have devastated the nations of Turkey and Syria.

Organized through the town’s Department of Community Affairs, collection bins are placed at town facilities, and residents are encouraged to drop-off donation supplies to these locations. Local organizations will be contributing to the relief effort as well.

“America’s largest township has proven time and time again that it is also known as America’s most generous township,” said Clavin. “The results from the earthquakes and aftershocks that hit Turkey and Syria are heart-wrenching. We’ve secured transportation to the region and will send anything and everything we can to help those in need.”

Earlier this month, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake erupted in southeast Turkey and northwest Syria, killing more than 47,000 people and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes. The countries were struck by dozens of aftershocks, and most recently, a 6.3-magnitude quake. The cumulative impact continues to add to the displacement and devastation of the region.

Throughout March, Earthquake Relief Collection boxes will be stationed at the following locations:

Hempstead Town Hall (1 Washington St., Hempstead)

Old Town Hall (350 Front St., Hempstead)

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Office (200 North Franklin St., Hempstead)

Echo Park (399 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead)

Levittown Hall (201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville)

In addition to the collection boxes, the following organizations have donated supplies to the collection effort: Turkish Cultural Center Long Island; Long Island Ladies Circle; Sufi Center; Chinese Center of Long Island; Long Island Diversity Council; Millennium Honda; and Long Island Caring Hearts.

Accepted items that can be donated include — non-perishable food items, sleeping bags, blankets, hats, gloves, baby food, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, baby formula, baby wipes, diapers, first aid products, and hand warmers.

Monetary donations can be made directly to the relief effort through trusted organizations such as Syrian American Medical Society, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Plan International Inc., and Direct Relief.