I had something else planned for the blog this week, but my thoughts and sentiments are dominated by the images coming from Italy. As you've probably seen, a 6.2 earthquake (terremoto) hit central Italy early Wednesday morning, creating massive destruction and terrible loss of life. As I type this, rescuers are still frantically searching for survivors, both with machinery and by hand.
My initial reaction in seeing the news was extreme worry for my friends in Italy. Early reports were a little sketchy as to where the earthquake hit. Thankfully, my friends were not affected. Grazie Dio! Sadly, that cannot be said for many others. Although we may not know their names, or be related to them in any way, we are all connected through our human family, and it is heartbreaking to witness their suffering.
A way for me to work through my sadness, is to try and help in some way. Of course prayers, light and love are being sent in huge waves to our Italian family. However, we can also help monetarily with rescue, recovery and relief efforts. I'm very proud to say that we Americans are amazing at this! We freakin rock! Therefore, I thought I'd use the blog to share some options in case you are able and would like to help:
Global Giving: All donations to this fund will support recovery and relief efforts in the region. Initially, the fund will help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs. Then this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by vetted local organizations. By funding relief efforts through local organizations it helps better equip the people on the ground in the affected areas. GlobalGiving also posts reports about how their funds have been used.
Save the Children: in coordination with the Italian Civil Protection from Lazio Region has launched a response in Amatrice, setting up a child-friendly space, a safe and protected environment where children can receive support from trained staff and participate in various activities. They will be able to play, socialize, learn and express themselves as they recover from trauma.
The Italian Red Cross/Rossa Crocia Italiana is also taking donations. More than 420 of the Italian Red Cross aid workers have reached the towns most affected. In addition to the preparation of 2 field kitchens to Amatrice and Accumoli, more than 100 vehicles are currently employed: ambulances, vans, SUVs, truckloads of materials and equipment responding to the first emergency phase. Among the staff employed: psychological support teams and special rescue, dog units, doctors, nurses and logistics personnel.
The National Italian American Foundation: is providing relief for the victims of the earthquake. Italian American Relief is working to identify a specific project or projects for funding in the coming weeks. All proceeds will go to the rebuilding efforts of a community badly damaged.
For my local Italy peeps: EMERGENZA TERREMOTO: DONARE 2 EURO/DONATE 2 EURO by Texting 45500.
And for my local NYC Peeps: Did you know that Pasta all'amatriciana comes from Amatrice? Restaurants in New York City are supporting earthquake relief through sales of Pasta all'Amatriciana. So far Ribalta, Maialino and Marta are on board. More restaurants are signing up by the minute. I can't keep up. So go have a great meal while providing support that is greatly needed. There's an Amo Amatriciana page on Facebook that is constantly updating the list, so check them out. See I told you we rock at this!! So proud.
A Video from Repubblica Italy shares some of the haunting images with us. "The clock stopped at 3:36 of the tower, the tears of those who lost everything, the courage of the rescuers, the gutted houses that show the broken everyday." Fifty iconic images of the tragedy experienced by the earthquake-affected communities. by Valeria D'Angelo.
Wishing everyone a safe and beautiful weekend. Extra hugs & Big Love to you all, PatriciaG
Love from the streets of New York City to Italy.