On February 6, 2023, two massive earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richtor scale, hit the Hatay Province of Turkey nine hours apart. Tremors were felt throughout the country as well as in Syria, Jordan, Cyprus, and Egypt. Syria and Turkey were the most devastated regions having massive amounts of damage from the resulting quakes. Currently, it is estimated that up to 45,000 individuals have died within the two countries, with thousands more injured or missing. Unfortunately, this tragedy has not ended. In the days following the earthquakes, the death toll was continuously rising everyday then the unspeakable happened. Just two weeks later another pair of earthquakes measuring at a 6.3 and 5.8 hit the same region of Turkey making an already dire situation even worse.
          In order to raise money for aid, the University of Pittsburgh’s Muslim Student Association organized a volleyball tournament with all proceeds from the event going toward Islamic Relief and Molham Team, nonprofits that provide shelter and aid to damaged communities and displaced refugees worldwide. Spread the Love Projects and other groups across the campus got involved to raise awareness and capital, with 36 teams representing different organizations and communities playing in a single elimination tournament bracket. Emaad Khan, the president and founder of STLP, along with vice president Erza Khan, Grace Weiskircher, Jake Hill, and Chris Lewis formed a team representing STLP at the event. Sadly, they lost in the first round, but participating members from STLP were able to donate $370 to the event. Overall, the volleyball tournament raised over $10,000 for charity and was a huge success.
          We at Spread the Love Projects take such crises very seriously and make it our mission to help those in need. We strive to have a positive impact both locally and globally and make the world a better place. We urge everyone to join us in our mission and hope that anyone capable of doing so will spend their time and money toward helping this cause and helping us make a difference.
          Spread the Love Projects extends our gratitude to those who graciously donate to our cause. We would not be able to do what we do without you, and hope you will continue to work with us and help us continue to change lives.