South Florida organizations begin humanitarian relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes

As communities across South Florida look for ways to help those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, local organizations are launching relief efforts to collect supplies and coordinate aid.In Boca Raton, Doña Arepa Bistro began accepting donations almost immediately after learning of the disaster.“We all have families that are either in Venezuela or we have friends that are. They are people that were visiting. So it was definitely something very impactful,” said Sofia Menco with Doña Arepa Bistro.The restaurant is one of several locations across South Florida collecting donations for people affected by the earthquakes. Organizers are asking for nonperishable food, medications, first aid supplies and other essential items that will eventually be shipped to Venezuela.“Nonperishable food items, any medicine, any first aid kits, like all of that we’re receiving here, donated by. We’re packing it all together. And with the help here, we’re sending in with our company over there,” Menco said.Mary Sol Gonzales, president of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce, said she has received dozens of calls from people across South Florida asking how they can help since the earthquakes struck.Gonzales said while many people want to donate supplies, it’s important those donations go through trusted organizations because damaged airports, roads and other critical infrastructure can make it difficult for aid to reach those who need it most.The Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce in Miami and other organizations to coordinate relief efforts.“This is the kind of circumstances where there is no ethnicity. Everybody has a purpose that is humanity. And that’s what we are seeing right now,” Gonzales said.Organizers say that while donated supplies are needed, money also goes a long way. Among the many organizations helping with relief efforts: CRS; Samaritan’s Purse; Project Hope; International Federation of the Red Cross. Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

BOCA RATON, Fla. —

As communities across South Florida look for ways to help those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, local organizations are launching relief efforts to collect supplies and coordinate aid.

In Boca Raton, Doña Arepa Bistro began accepting donations almost immediately after learning of the disaster.

“We all have families that are either in Venezuela or we have friends that are. They are people that were visiting. So it was definitely something very impactful,” said Sofia Menco with Doña Arepa Bistro.

The restaurant is one of several locations across South Florida collecting donations for people affected by the earthquakes. Organizers are asking for nonperishable food, medications, first aid supplies and other essential items that will eventually be shipped to Venezuela.

“Nonperishable food items, any medicine, any first aid kits, like all of that we’re receiving here, donated by. We’re packing it all together. And with the help here, we’re sending in with our company over there,” Menco said.

Mary Sol Gonzales, president of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce, said she has received dozens of calls from people across South Florida asking how they can help since the earthquakes struck.

Gonzales said while many people want to donate supplies, it’s important those donations go through trusted organizations because damaged airports, roads and other critical infrastructure can make it difficult for aid to reach those who need it most.

The Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce in Miami and other organizations to coordinate relief efforts.

“This is the kind of circumstances where there is no ethnicity. Everybody has a purpose that is humanity. And that’s what we are seeing right now,” Gonzales said.

Organizers say that while donated supplies are needed, money also goes a long way.

Among the many organizations helping with relief efforts: CRS; Samaritan’s Purse; Project Hope; International Federation of the Red Cross.

Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.