How To Help Italy Earthquake Victims: 8 Ways To Donate Blood, Money And Goods For Relief

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake killed more than 35 people and disappeared scores of others early Wednesday near Rome, sending first responders scrambling and triggering an international outpouring of support. USA Today reported the towns impacted the most by the temblor were Accumoli and Amatrice, the latter of which was the subject of a haunting quote by Mayor Sergio Pirozzi being shared by various media outlets — "half of the town doesn't exist anymore."

The government's civil protection department has deployed relief and rescuers to the regions affected by the earthquake, but you may be wondering how you personally can help. Here are eight ways to support the victims of the natural disaster.

If you're in Italy...

Forexinfo suggested you go to San Camillo de Lellis General Hospital in Rieti and give blood. You need to have an identification card, and you should avoid eating dairy products or drinking alcohol beforehand if you plan to donate plasma.

You can drop off nonperishable foods, water, clothing, medicine, batteries or bedding at the schools and stores in Rieti listed here by Il Messaggero.

You can deactivate your wireless password so people can freely use your internet to communicate, La Stampa reported.

Support a business that's donating its profits to emergency relief. Deliveroo Italia, for example, is sending all delivery costs to the local Red Cross.

If you're somewhere else...

You can donate money to La Stampa's emergency fund. Go to www.specchiodeitempi.org and specify that you want your gift to go to "Fund 597 Earthquake in Central Italy," or "Fondo 597 Terremoto Centro Italia."

Give to ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity that distributes literal boxes that include items like tents, tools, blankets, water purification systems and coloring books. ShelterBox tweeted Wednesday that it was already heading to Italy. Send a check to ShelterBox USA, 8374 Market St. #203, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Or call 941-907-6036.

Donate to the Italian Red Cross, which has deployed rescue dogs and ambulances to affected areas, here.

Direct your business to companies helping charities responding to the earthquake. The Rome Red Cross tweeted that McDonalds and KFC had both donated food supplies to the relief effort Wednesday.