From tent cities popping up in southern Turkey, thousands of people are desperately working to regain their footing. A pair of massive earthquakes hit the region earlier this month. The quakes and aftershocks destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure. Thousands were killed. And perhaps, for a fleeting moment, the spirit of the nation weakened too. But much like the life-saving efforts that led to the rescue of countless people trapped beneath collapsed cities -- even under widespread heartache, hope floats – or in this case, hope flies.  

Turkish Airlines operates non-stop service between Houston and Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. The flights zoom back and forth, across the globe, multiple times a week. The natural disaster may have happened half a world away, but the impact and empathy for the Turkish community pulsate through Houston.   

“Once the first images from southern Turkey began to emerge, we knew we needed to help,” said Steve Runge, Chief of Operations for Houston Airports. “Houstonians know what it’s like to have a massive natural disaster absolutely devastate life and community. Just five years ago we were forced to sit and watch Hurricane Harvey pummel Houston with record rainfall. Once the rain stopped, humanity stepped in. We know donations can make a difference -- but more than goods, it’s goodness that can lend the ultimate hand.”  

Runge led the senior leadership of Houston Airports in supporting an airport system-wide call for donations. Turkish Airlines offered to transport donations on a flight to Istanbul with a promise to orchestrate a connection of the goods with reputable organizations in need of the supplies. The Turkish Consulate General in Houston assisted in prioritizing the donations and determining which supplies should be sent to specific locations in Turkey. Within hours, Houston’s aviation community had a plan.  

This plea was shared with all 1,100 Houston Airports employees in the first few days after the natural disaster: 

Houston Airports employees met the moment.  

Each employee gave knowing each donation is part of the bigger picture. That’s the power of #HoustonStrong. The social media hashtag served as a beacon of hope, optimism and resilience in the wake of 2017’s Harvey. Rebuilding a significant portion of a nation may be overwhelming and feel paralyzing; but together, anything is possible.  

“Every little bit helps,” said Runge. “Houston Airports is joining the world in responding to Turkey. We want our fellow human beings to know that we’re with them as they heal and rebuild. This is a chance for the power, kindness and generosity of #HoustonStrong to have a global reach.” 

From sleeping bags, hygiene products and soft and warm winter gear, employees donated items by the dozen. Supplies were dropped off at six different locations within Houston Airports. The convenient drop-off points allowed other badged airport employees to donate too. Airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders came together to support Turkey by donating supplies. 

Sherwin Seyjaget, an Airport Operations Supervisor-Landside at Bush Airport, coordinated the supply pickups from each location, vehicles and staff needed to sort and document each donation. Runge shared that, “this effort would not have been as successful with Sherwin.”  

Seyjaget was assisted by other Houston Airports employees with ties to Turkey. 

The combined two-week effort culminated in a collection of medicine, non-perishable food, diapers, toiletries, baby products, bedding, sanitizer, emergency supplies and winter clothing. The donations filled 99 boxes that were stacked on 7 pallets and loaded on a plane bound for Turkey from Houston, with love.