On Feb. 6, a massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, flattening entire cities and communities. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives and many more were injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless in freezing temperatures, without access to basic needs such as shelter, health care, sanitation, food, and water.

King County employees can help these communities recover and rebuild is by making donations to organizations that are providing humanitarian aid and support for the people impacted by the earthquake. A 21-day natural disaster response campaign will allow King County employees to support up to three Employee Giving Program nonprofit organizations responding to the natural disaster. From Feb. 23 – March 15, employees will be able to give in three ways during this special response:

1. Donation of accumulated vacation and/or compensatory time. Download form here (.pdf).
2. One-time payroll donation. Download form here (.pdf).
3. Credit card or e-check. On the storefront here.

Prosecuting Attorney’s Office employees can donate by payroll, e-check, or credit card, but may not donate leave or compensatory time.

Forms must be received no later than 5 p.m. March 15, 2023, by email to employeegiving@kingcounty.gov or interoffice mail to KCEGP CNK-HR-0231.

Three nonprofits are eligible for time or payroll donations:

1. American Red Cross – Türkiye (Turkey) earthquake response #9343. The American Red Cross is part of the global network of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world, and is responding to calls for assistance from the local Türkiye and Syria Red Crescent Societies that are on the ground.
2. Empact Northwest #10108. Empact Northwest is a non-profit, non-governmental entity providing rescue, medical, and logistical support to those affected by disaster worldwide, as well as preparedness support to communities in need and professional rescue training.
3. Médecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders #4172. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was already on the ground in the region and activated their emergency and disaster response plans immediately. They immediately began treating people in their clinics and assisting local hospitals.

This special campaign will be open through 5 p.m. March 15. Please use this form to contribute and find answers to your questions here.