Local Turkish organization raises funds for earthquake victims

and are doing everything they can to assist their families back home as they navigate the tragedy.

Oklahoma City is home to the Raindrop Turkish House, 444 N. Classen Blvd., a non-profit organization that exists to help natives of Turkey get on their feet in the state of Oklahoma. The organization hosts many things year-round, from cooking classes and coffee nights to friendship dinners and traditional art classes as a way to make people feel at home.

Muhammad Sezer, executive director of the Raindrop Turkish House, said he hopes the state can show the victims in Turkey and Syria our “Oklahoma Standard.”

Along with the vigil, the Raindrop Turkish House also hosted a cultural food fair in hopes of uplifting and joining the community in the restoration and relief efforts even from so far away. All proceeds from the food fair will be sent directly to those affected by the disaster as well as all donations being taken through the Turkish House website, where already over $1.2 millionhas been raised.

Sezer says these funds will help in a myriad of ways. “They need food, they need shelter, they need a palace to stay during this tragedy,” he said. “As Oklahomans, we need to support the urgent needs of Turkish people as if the earthquake happened here.”

Sezer stressed the importance of emotional support as he recalled the past few weeks of phone calls shared between him and his parents who are still living in Turkey,

As search and rescue operations turn into recovery efforts, the citizens of Turkey are still experiencing turmoil nearly three weeks after a massive earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and left more injured and homeless. Over 9,000 miles from home, Oklahoma’s Turkish community is not unscathed. Many from the community have lost loved ones to the natural disaster

The center recently held a prayer vigil with hundreds of people in attendance to show their support for those affected. Sezer said many different communities and walks of life were being represented.

“We had not just the faith and community leaders but also the general public who wanted to come and support their Turkish friends and neighbors,” Sezer said.

“That brings a lot of pressure,” he said. “It’s intense, but when I get a message or an email or a phone call from a friend who’s checking on me, who’s checking on my family, that gives me a lot of relief.”

As Turkey works to put themselves back together the Turkish Raindrop Foundation will continue to back them with hopes that the general public will stand with them. You can donate to their cause on their website or by visiting Embrace Relief at embracerelief.org.

Current events in photos: Turkish earthquake vigil and transgender rights protests in Oklahoma City