Emily Egan
Student Life Editor
On February 6, the countries of Turkey and Syria were hit by a devasting 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
According to PBS, there was massive devastation, with a death total totaling over 47,000 people. Many buildings were totaled, and supplies are needed to assist these two countries.
Communities in both countries need ongoing monetary help to respond to and recover from these tragic events.
In response, East Stroudsburg University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is hosting a multi-week fundraiser to support relief efforts for victims of last month’s earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
To support the fundraiser, which runs through April 15, members of PRSSA will host tabling events in ESU’s University Center on March 16 and March 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“It really shows that we can come together as a community and help another country, another place, to show that we can really come together and help others; it’s super important that we all do this to come together and help them since they’re going through a devastating time,” said Francesca Palmeri, Hand in Hand fundraiser coordinator and PRSSA President, when asked how important it is for ESU to take action to help Turkey and Syria.
Donations are being collected online and will go to the Turkish Philanthropy Funds and the Syrian American Medical Foundation.
“I really hope to get the word out about what’s been happening in Turkey and Syria… as bystanders, we need to do our part to fund and aid every effort we can for them,” added Matthew Feely, Hand in Hand fundraiser coordinator and PRSSA member.
Multiple people on campus are impacted by this tragedy, including faculty, staff, and students.
“There are people in devastating need that are dealing with a severe crisis right now… their homes are crumbled, the ground disheveled, so it’s important that we try to come together to help them,” Palmeri emphasized.
Let’s all unite together as the Warrior Family and help give back to nations in need.
To donate, click here.
