The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria has had a devastating impact on communities in the affected areas. In the wake of the disaster, first responders have been working tirelessly to provide aid and assistance to those in need. Infinite Cares values the selfless work of all first responders and their tireless efforts to help those in need during times of crisis. That’s why we have chosen Direct Relief as February’s Infinite Cares Cause in support of their ongoing relief efforts in response to the earthquake.

Direct Relief is a non-profit organization that works to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty, disaster, and conflict around the world. Direct Relief’s donation policy ensures that 100 percent of all designated contributions for specific programs or emergency responses are used only on expenses related to supporting that program or response. If you wish to restrict the use of your donation only for a specific purpose or area, Direct Relief will honor that wish or tell you that it cannot and offer to return your contribution. Direct Relief has not and will not collect money for what may appear to be a specific incident or purpose with the intention of using it for other purposes.

To help meet the urgent needs on the ground, Direct Relief is deploying medical supplies from its facilities in the U.S. and Europe for Turkey and Syria. More than 22 tons of medical aid has been staged or is being shipped for Turkey and Syria since the earthquake began. The organization has also committed $3 million in financial support for response efforts in Syria and Turkey, and includes $100,000 of financial support to AKUT, the leading search and rescue team in Turkey, and $100,000 to the Syrian American Medical Society, which operates health facilities in northwest Syria treating patients impacted by the quake.

But Direct Relief can’t do this work alone, and there are many ways that individuals can support the ongoing relief efforts in response to the earthquake. Whether it’s through making a donation, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the need for support, every effort can make a difference. We encourage everyone to find a way to contribute to the relief efforts in response to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Every action, no matter how small, can help provide support and hope to those affected by the disaster.