Following the devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela on Wednesday, a number of local and international organizations are working to aid in any way they can. An initial magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit west of Caracas followed by another of magnitude 7.5, marking one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in over a century, according to reports.
The current death toll has risen to 900, with over 3,000 injured and 50,000 reported missing. Read on to learn how you can help here in South Florida, to raise funds and send those much-needed supplies to the people of Venezuela.
Monetary donations and drop-offs
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
Partnering with I Love Venezuela, the South Florida-based organization is accepting donations on weekdays and Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are also seeking volunteers and funding to help get shipments out.
Drop-offs are at 1850 NW 84th Ave., Ste. 100, Doral, FL 33126, with non-perishable foods, household items, hygiene products, first aid kits and more being welcome. GEM does not accept donations of clothing, shoes or linens, however. Find a full list here and learn more here.
Inter Miami CF Foundation
Joining forces with the City of Doral and GEM, Inter Miami has made Nu Stadium a primary donation collection site. Look for the specially marked bins organized by category outside of the official team store on the stadium’s south side, located at 1900 NW 37th Avenue.
The donation drive will run from June 26 to July 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 will see extended hours from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Find a full list of items here.
United Way Miami
United Way Miami, in partnership with the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, has launched Operation Helping Hands to support Venezuelan individuals and families. One hundred percent of the funds will be allocated to purchasing relief supplies and services through nonprofits actively providing assistance on the ground. Donate here.
Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Office
The Miami-Dade County Elections Office (2700 NW 87th Ave., Doral, FL 33172) is also collecting much-needed relief items during weekdays and Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Save the Children
The leading global non-profit, which has been supporting local organizations in Venezuela since the 1980s, are working with teams to assess the needs of affected children and families. You can donate to their Children’s Emergency Fund here.
Sushi Garage
The Japanese Coconut Grove restaurant is serving as a drop-off center, partnering with the JQ Foundation to collect monetary donations for essential supplies like medical aid, shelter, water filters and more. They are also working with Fort Lauderdale-based W Aviation to transport physical donations directly to the country, where Sun.Risas Inc. will distribute the items to several places in need.
You can drop off items at their location, 3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
W Aviation
If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, you can also drop off necessary medical aid, non-perishable foods, infant formula, diapers and recovery tools directly at W Aviation. It’s important to note that organizers ask not to donate bottled water, and recommend water filters, purifying tablets and hydration solutions instead.
Drop-offs are at Hangar E at 2400 W Cypress Creek Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.
Miami Dade College
All across Miami Dade College campuses, together with the Global Empowerment Mission, you can give donations through July 2 to support the Venezuelans who were impacted. Collection sites are at the following locations:
- North Campus – Room 4208
- Meek Center – Room 1101-03
- Wolfson Campus – Room 2101
- Medical Campus – Room 1116
- Homestead Campus – Room A204
- Padrón Campus – Room 6018
- Hialeah Campus – Room 2102
- West Campus – Room 1312
City of Miami Beach
The city is collecting donations of tents, camping gear, diapers, canned food, first-aid kits and other essential supplies to be presented to the Global Empowerment Mission. Used clothing and linens will not be accepted. Find a full list of items here.
The following four fire stations will serve as drop-off sites between Monday, June 29 and Sunday, July 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Fire Station 1 – 1051 Jefferson Avenue
- Fire Station 2 – 2300 Pine Tree Drive
- Fire Station 3 – 5303 Collins Avenue
- Fire Station 4 – 6880 Indian Creek Drive
CityPlace Doral
In an effort to support the community it serves, the shopping and entertainment destination is collecting needed items to donate to the Global Empowerment Mission. They can be dropped off daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at CityPlace Doral’s Management or Security offices located behind Novecento, next to the public restrooms. A list of items can be found here.
Donations will also be accepted during CityPlace Doral’s American Block Party, taking place on Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. A table will be set up near the Fountain Plaza.
