As bitterly cold conditions set in around the Middle East, local charities are urging residents in Qatar to donate to new “warm winter” campaigns to help those in need.

This year, the focus is on displaced Syrians living in refugee camps in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraqi Kurdistan, where tents have not been enough to keep out the cold.

In its winter campaign literature, the Qatar Red Crescent states:

“While millions around the world prepare for winter with heaters, warm clothes, and raincoats, many disadvantaged communities receive only prayers to survive the bitter frost and the heavy rain. They hope to be lucky to obtain any form of winter supplies.”

Residents are being asked to help by donating money that will buy food, water, cooking ingredients like oil and flour, tents, heaters and winter clothes. Here’s how to contribute:

Qatar Red Crescent

Donations can be made the charity’s headquarters in Al Salata, its Al-Khor branch, its women’s branch near Obaidly Roundabout or at booths in City Center Mall, Landmark Mall, Villaggio Mall, Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza, The Mall and Al Meera outlets.

Residents can also donate online here or via SMS.

To donate QR50, SMS “W” to 92176. To donate QR100, SMS “W” to 92766. To donate QR500, SMS “W” to 92770. And to donate QR1000, SMS “W” to 92740.

Qatar Charity

Donations can be made online or at its main branch in the Old Airport area (4466 7711) or at any of its booths in local malls.

They can also be made via SMS: to donate QR50, SMS “Syria” to 92632; to donate QR100, SMS “Syria” to 92642; to donate QR500, SMS “Syria” to 92428; and to donate QR1,000, SMS “Syria” to 92429.

Eid Charity

Donations can be made online here or via SMS; SMS QR50 to 92332; SMS QR100 to 920241; SMS QR500 to 92860; and QR1000 to 92861. For more information, call 77073030.

RAF Foundation

Donations can be made online here or via SMS; SMS QR50 to 92648; SMS QR100 to 92155; SMS QR500 to 92166; and QR1,000 to 92177. For more information, call 55341818.

In response to a question about donations of clothing items or blankets, a QRC representative said that only funds are being sought for this campaign. He added:

“Sending in-kind donations is costly and takes a very long time. We transfer the funds to the target region, and our staff immediately purchase the items from the local markets there.”

Thoughts?