In the wake of the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday, local organizations and thousands of Colombians who call Miami home are rallying to provide emergency relief and finding new ways to help from afar. Considered one of the country’s largest earthquakes in years, an official report counts at least 250 dead and over 900 injured.
If you’re wondering how to help from South Florida, here are several options:
Support the local effort in Doral – Global Empowerment Mission
The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which has been collecting aid for victims of the Venezuelan earthquakes, is serving as a central hub for South Florida’s relief efforts. You can support them in multiple ways, including dropping off supplies, monetary aid and volunteering.
GEM is accepting physical donations at its Doral headquarters (1850 NW 84th Ave, Unit 100), including tents, blankets, bedding, emergency aid kits, canned food, clothing, water, hygiene kits and wheelchairs.
Make a monetary donation to trusted organizations
Many reputable charities and non-profits have teams on the ground in Colombia and have set up dedicated relief funds:
- United Way Miami: In partnership with Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald, has launched Operation Helping Hands to go directly to relief supplies and services.
- The House Project: Founded by Ricardo Montaner, this non-profit is working to secure shelter for those in the Chocó region, which was heavily impacted by the quake.
- World Central Kitchen (WCK): The José Andrés non-profit is on the ground preparing and distributing nutritious meals to victims and first responders.
- GlobalGiving: Supporting locally-led relief and recovery through the Colombia Earthquake Relief Fund, which helps provide emergency medical care, shelter, food and more.
- UNICEF USA: Deploying emergency supplies, including clean water, sanitation equipment and specialized food for malnourished children.
- Project HOPE: Providing life-saving medical care, emergency materials, mental health and psychosocial support for survivors, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.
- Americares: Global health and disaster relief organization delivering medicines, medical supplies and other aid to the communities affected.
Run club relief effort at BOXR Gym
The downtown Miami gym (1310 NE 1st Ave) is currently accepting donations to support those affected by the earthquakes. In conjunction with this relief effort, it will host a dedicated charity run on Wednesday, August 12, at 6:30 p.m. to raise awareness and collect much-needed materials.
Chick-fil-A Coral Springs donation drive
Following the recent earthquake, exclusively at this location, Chick-fil-A Coral Springs is providing crucial aid and comfort to families navigating this difficult period. From now through Saturday, August 15, the public is welcome to bring donations of essential items, such as non-perishable foods, medications, first aid supplies, hygiene products, baby essentials, clothing, bedding and much more.
EVRY Studio collection
This Davie pilates studio is also collection essential donations to support Colombian families affected by the natural disaster. During standard operating hours, contributions of all sizes are accepted, as all donations provide meaningful assistance during the crisis.
Midas South Florida collection sites
Midas locations have a long-standing tradition of serving as community collection sites during times of crisis. Following the devastation in Colombia, a country that holds deep significance to West Palm Beach Midas owner Ron Katz, they are once again mobilizing to support those in need. Three Midas locations in the state are currently accepting essential donations:
- Midas of West Palm Beach: 2253 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL | Phone: 551-687-2000
- Midas of Cocoa: 255 N. Cocoa Boulevard, Cocoa, FL | Phone: 321-338-2099
- Midas of Cutler Bay: 20033 South Dixie Highway, Cutler Bay, FL | Phone: 786-360-1849
They will accept just about any kind of donation, including rice and other non-perishable foods, bottled water, blankets, clothing, diapers, baby supplies, hygiene products, dog and pet food and other items.
