Turkey earthquake: Where to donate clothes

TURKEY and Syria were hit by a huge earthquake on February 6, 2023, that has claimed over 15,000 lives.

The disaster has left potentially millions without homes and in need of support. Here's some information about what happened and how you can help.

How can I donate to Turkey after the earthquake?

We launched The Sun Earthquake Appeal on February 6, 2023, in response to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

All money raised will be donated to the British Red Cross for a major on-the-ground mobilisation.

Red Crescent staff are already distributing essentials such as food, water, blankets and temporary shelters to  who spent the night outside in freezing temperatures.

Support is also being provided for traumatised people.

To donate, visit .

How can I donate clothes to help victims?

With so many having their lives ripped apart by the earthquake and following aftershocks, some of which measured nearly as highly as the initial quake, there are many ways to help.

In particular it has been reported that items such as duvet sets, baby clothes, winter clothing, coats, boots, socks, and sleeping bags are in high demand in the affected regions.

Those in London, can use the following collection points:

• South London - SE1 5TY
• Hackney - E8 4FF
• West london - TW4 5NP
• Beyzade Restaurant, Southwest London - SW15 2SR
• Cafe Joice, Stoke Newington - N16 OUL
• Rosy Lea Cafe, Putney - SW15 2SP
• The Highcross centre, Fountayne Road - N15 4QN

In Scotland, a appeal has been launched.

The charity has arranged drop-off points at Dunelm stores across the country, although it is worth checking that your local store is participating.

The has sites in Liverpool and Manchester which are welcoming donations for the affected.

• Senol & Senol Ltd t/a GOSS OutdoorUnit C Canalside North John Gilbert Way Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1UP (next estate to Manchester United football ground N3 Car Park - from 09:00 - 16:00 on weekdays)
• UK FatMilk-Lab UK building, Sadler Street, Middleton, M24 5U (from 09:00 - 16:30 on weekdays)
• Taste of Malpa 62-66 Oxton Road, Birkenhead, CH41 2TW
• Anar Restuarant, 130 Prescot Road, Fairfield, L7 0JB

Anyone based in the Cambridge area can donate via the which is accepting donations from February 10, 2023.

What happened in Turkey?

In the early hours of Monday, February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit near the town of Gaziantep, and was followed by numerous aftershocks.

It hit around 150 miles away from the Turkey-Syria border, with devastation on both sides.

Hours later, a 7.5 magnitude quake hit more than 60 miles away.

Scores of violent aftershocks followed both quakes and continued into Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the earthquake, and the death toll is expected to keep rising.

It is already one of the deadliest earthquakes this century.

What caused the earthquake in Turkey?

The 7.8 quake was triggered by two faults moving laterally against each other, or a strike slip. 

A tremor of 2.5 or less usually cannot be felt, but can be detected by instruments.

Quakes of up to five are felt and cause minor damage.

The Turkish earthquake at 7.8 is classified as major and usually causes serious damage, as it has in this instance.

An earthquake is the result of sudden movement along a fault – a crack – within the Earth's crust.

The movement releases stored-up energy in the form of seismic waves, which spread through the Earth and cause the ground surface to shake, according to the British Geological Survey.

In this case it was the Arabian plate moving northwards and grinding against the Anatolian plate.