Venezuela was hit by two strong earthquakes recently, causing extensive casualties and building collapses. The United Nations estimates that 50,000 people are still missing. In New York City, which has a large Venezuelan immigrant population, people are rapidly mobilizing to raise funds and gather donations.
According to local media reports, the Venezuelan community in Jackson Heights, Queens, has become a hub for relief supplies in recent days. Many residents voluntarily donate canned food, dry goods, bottled water, baby products, blankets, first aid materials, and essential medicines to the donation center. They have organized temporary assembly lines to sort and pack these items, getting ready to send them to Venezuela.
Many participants stated that this disaster has brought together the Venezuelan community, which had been divided due to political differences. Residents expressed solidarity, with one saying, “Everyone is standing together, just wanting to help Venezuela.” Others mentioned that immediately after the earthquakes, fundraising efforts were launched in New York to quickly send essential supplies back to their homeland.
This is just one of the approximately 20 donation centers established in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Apart from collecting supplies, numerous charitable organizations in New York have also started fundraising activities simultaneously, aiming to assist in purchasing medical equipment, emergency rescue gear, and materials needed for reconstruction.
Some corporations and businesses have also joined the cause, offering their premises as collection centers for supplies and assisting with transportation and logistics arrangements.
These twin earthquakes are considered one of the most severe natural disasters to hit Venezuela in over a century. The United States and several other countries have dispatched search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and relief supplies to provide assistance, while humanitarian aid from the international community continues to expand.
The Venezuelan community in New York City has stated that the fundraising efforts will continue in the coming days, hoping that more people will join in donating funds and supplies.