On June 24th, two earthquakes measuring in at 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, respectively, struck northern Venezuela, the strongest in that region since 1900.
The severe tremors demolished buildings and trapped families beneath layers of rubble. Multiple hospitals and facilities were also damaged as a result of the quakes, leaving their already fragile infrastructure even more vulnerable.
As search and rescue efforts continue, we wanted to let the people of Venezuela know they’re in our thoughts and inform our community of the best ways they can be of assistance at this distressing time.
Monetary Donations
CNN has put together a list of reputable nonprofits (including our partners at World Central Kitchen) and made a convenient form that allows you to choose from any of those nonprofits or split a donation amongst them all.
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) has sent rescue teams and assessment teams to the affected areas (the local Red Cross headquarters in Caracas suffered significant damage from the quakes).
Donate to IFRC
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has deployed specialized emergency response units to help with search and rescue efforts.
Donate to OCHA
Food and Supply Donations (Florida residents)
Global Empowerment Mission is a disaster relief nonprofit that specializes in getting aid to victims in a short amount of time.
They are partnering with I Love Venezuela to send relief supplies to impacted areas as quickly as possible. If you live near Doral, Florida, you can drop items off through Sunday at 1850 NW 84th Avenue (Unit 100) anytime between 10 am – 4:30 pm.
Items requested include:
- Non-perishable ready-to-eat meals
- Canned Goods (meats, fish and beans)
- Dried Fruits
- Bottled Water (Cases)
- Snacks such as Crackers, Beef Jerky and Protein Bars
- Pet Food
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillows and Blankets
- Tents and Cots
- Flashlights and Lanterns
- Power Banks
- Batteries
- Hand and Foot Warmers
- Trash Bags
- Diapers
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaaste
- Wet Wipes
- Deodorant
They are also seeking volunteers to help get the shipments out. If interested, visit their website.
The Miami-Dade County Elections Office is also a registered drop-off location for donations. Located at 2700 NW 87th Avenue in Miami, they will be open from 8 am to 5 pm both Friday and Saturday to receive goods.
Please note, they are not able to accept clothing, linens or shoes, but welcome all of the following:
- Non-perishable Food
- Pet Food and Supplies
- Personal Hygiene Products
- General Household Goods
If more opportunities to assist become available, we will update this post.