How Can You Help Istanbul Attack Victims? Donate Money, Support Charity After Atatürk Airport Explosions

Hundreds of Turks packed into hospitals and blood banks late Tuesday and early Wednesday to donate blood after an attack at Istanbul's Atatürk Airport left more than 40 dead and nearly 240 wounded. But you don't have to be in Turkey to help the victims and first responders. There's a lot you can do without leaving your desk.

The investigation into the explosions and gunfire that rocked the airport was still ongoing Wednesday, with rumors flying that the Islamic State group may have been behind the massacre. Charities and news outlets haven't yet published notices telling people how to help, though some crowdfunding campaigns have cropped up on the internet.

Judging from the international response to previous terror attacks and with suggestions from Romper.com, here's how you personally can aid the victims of the Istanbul incident:

Donate Money

This is the easiest way to help; but because the tragedy is so recent, the typical victim support funds haven't yet flooded the Web. Consider sending money to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies here, where you can tailor your donation to specifically go toward the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund. You can also donate directly to the Turkish Red Crescent Society here (the website is in Turkish, but you can use your browser to translate it). Or check out this fund set up by the Razoo Foundation for the victims of the attack.

Flex Your Social Media Muscles

Forget slacktivism — you can actually use your social media accounts for good in the wake of this attack by spreading information. Retweet messages from the president of the Turkish Red Crescent, Kerem Kınık, telling residents the organization doesn't need any more blood donations at the moment. Or pass along this post with helpful phone numbers for Indians stranded in Istanbul. Use Facebook to share this post seeking information about a lost pair of American travelers from the United States Consulate General in Istanbul. You never know who on your feed might be able to help.

Support Businesses Doing Good

Now — or the next time you're near Istanbul — use your spending money to help businesses that have opened their doors to people affected by Tuesday's attack. The Istanbul hotel Suite Begonia, for example, let 15 stranded passengers stay for free. Verizon and T-Mobile have both announced they're nixing charges for texts or international long distance calls from the U.S. to Turkey.

Hug Your Loved Ones

Whether your friends and family are abroad or in the room next to you, appreciate them. Write a note telling them how much you care, send an e-card, grab lunch together or just give them a hug to show you're thinking of them.