ATLANTA--Catholic Relief Services is now accepting donations for victims of the Aug. 17 earthquake that killed more than 13,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless in Turkey.

“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Turkey who were affected by this devastating tragedy,” said Kenneth F. Hackett, executive director of Catholic Relief Services. “In the aftermath of one of the most powerful earthquakes of the century, people are coping with the loss of loved ones, homes and livelihood.”

Catholic Relief Services will work closely with its local Catholic partners on the ground to respond to the crisis. After assessment of the situation and short-term needs, the most urgent need is reported to be water distribution. Fifteen metric tons of water has already been ordered for distribution to local victims. The agency’s immediate assistance to the victims will include covering needs for sanitation, shelter and health.

Catholic Relief Services is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community. Founded in 1943, the agency provides assistance to people in more than 80 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, on the basis of need, not race, creed or nationality.

Send donations, marked “Turkish Earthquake” to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Md., 21203-7090.

For more information, call 1-800-736-3467 or visit the agency’s website at www.catholicrelief.org.