News of people in crisis and war-torn areas are all over the media, which incites many to lend a helping hand.
However, it's often not easy to materialize this aid in a direct way, especially when you're an average citizen with no powerful means to offer your help.
Which is why charities and organizations are there as a medium to facilitate the delivery of support, whether it's financial, educational, or through health services, and shelters for refugees.
Here is a list of reputable international organizations that are making a difference and could use your help if you're willing to offer it.
1. Jusoor
Jusoor - meaning "Bridges" in Arabic - is an American NGO founded by a group of Syrian expats who are looking for ways to support Syria's development.
Through the many programs the NGO offers, such as education, career development, and global community engagement, the charity aims to help the Syrian youth discover and reach their full potential to enhance their abilities.
2. Save the Children
Save the Children first won our hearts in 2014 when it launched the "Most Shocking Second a Day" video campaign, underlining the fact that war is happening, even if you're not at the heart of it.
This non-profit association is present in 120 countries, prioritizing children by providing them with a "healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm."
You can make a change and donate here.
3. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The UNHCR's main focus is to provide necessities such as sleeping bags, medicine, and hygiene kits to displaced refugees in war-torn countries such as Syria and Iraq.
The UNHCR also provides shelter and protection with the cooperation of "21 International and National NGO Partners."
You can donate here, either on a monthly basis or a one-time donation.
4. The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee focuses its relief efforts on schools, health facilities, and hospitals located in Syria and its surrounding vicinities like Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq.
The IRC helps displaced families by providing them with living necessities such as hygiene, shelter, and food.
For more information or to donate, visit the website.
5. Karam Foundation
Karam Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission lies in its name: generosity.
Founded in 2007 in Chicago, United States, the foundation started out with food distribution in the state, then expanded across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey with the purpose of building a better future for thousands of Syrian families.
Donate here.
6. Médecins Sans Frontières
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was founded in France in 1971 by a group of doctors and journalists in the wake of war and famine in Biafra.
It is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization with a movement working in 71 countries.
MSF also focus on the Middle East, where millions of displaced individuals are taken care of with medical consultations, births, and surgical interventions.