Purple Onion accepting donations, funds for Helene relief

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Purple Onion, a local Turkish restaurant, is accepting donations of necessities and funds to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

The owner of the Purple Onion says the community supported him, his family, and their community in Turkey after last year’s devastating earthquake, which killed 18 of his relatives. Now, he wants to give back and help others in need, just as he was helped.

“Erdal Bengogullari has been here for years and he has helped so many people, so many organizations. He is probably one of the most giving people I’ve ever met in my life,” said Linda Jamison, Manager of the Purple Onion.

The restaurant is working to fill an adjacent unit with supplies. Once it’s full, the owner plans to drive to North Carolina to offer assistance.

“When I even mentioned to him, ‘we’re going to do something like this,’…he thought I was crazy, but he always thinks I’m crazy. And then he goes, ‘You know what? That’s a good idea. Everybody helped me with my family in Turkey. Let’s see what we can do to help those in North Carolina,'” said Jamison.

Funds raised will provide free food to locals through a partner food truck in North Carolina, which will cook and distribute meals to those in need. Jamison says donations such as water, blankets, sleeping bags, toilet paper, grills, charcoal, or generators are especially helpful during emergencies.

“Just think of all of the basic necessities. If you don’t have electricity, what would you do to survive?” she said.

If you want to help but can’t visit the Purple Onion to donate in person, you can contact them for details to donate through their GoFundMe.

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