Central Florida organizations collect supplies for Colombia earthquake victims
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. —
Central Florida organizations are collecting equipment and first aid supplies to help people in Colombia after a powerful earthquake left thousands missing and many trapped beneath rubble.
William Sanchez, with the Cultural Awareness Fund in Ormond Beach, said heavy equipment is among the most urgent needs as crews continue searching collapsed buildings.
“We need heavy machinery to help with removal of rubble of buildings that have collapsed,” Sanchez said.
The organization is seeking tools that can help with debris removal and rescue efforts.
“Hammers, you know, jackhammers, cutters, big cutters, you know, the industrial-size ones, anything that can be used, shovels, anything, masks, whether they’re N95s or the regular masks,” Sanchez said.
The Cultural Awareness Fund is partnering with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to collect donations.
Maria Trent said the organizations have established the following drop-off sites and may add more to the list. They are also accepting first aid supplies.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
DeLandRallyWell: 1798 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32724 | M-Sun 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.Holly HillCarpentry Mart: 1620 State Ave., Ste. 303/304, Holly Hill, FL 32117 | M-F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat and Sun 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Fastsigns Holly Hill: 1027 N. Nova Rd., Ste. 109, Holly Hill, FL 32117 | M-F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Orange CityVolusia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: 1750 S. Volusia Ave., Suite 8, Orange City, FL 32763 | Office hours by appointment only Ormond BeachWilliam J Sanchez: 7 Lake Vista Way, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 | Call 786-234-8839 before dropping off; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.South DaytonaBack Alley Lanes: 2400 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 6, South Daytona, FL | Open at 11 a.m. Tue-Sun; Mon at 1 p.m.
The latest relief effort comes just six weeks after the organizations rallied to collect donations for Venezuela following another devastating earthquake.
“I am concerned about a little bit of the burnout,” Trent said. “But that’s why I’m thinking of something different.”
This time, some people who donate tools will receive a free game card as a thank-you.
“We just want to, you know, tell the community thank you by giving them something fun to do after they drop off a tool,” Trent said.
Sanchez said he hopes the first shipment of supplies can be sent within the next week.
“Our intention is, try to get it there to the hands of the people that need it as quickly as possible,” Sanchez said.
The organizations are also working with local lawmakers to help move the donations through customs and get the supplies into the areas hit hardest by the earthquake.
They have also launched a website. If you would like to donate or find other ways to help, click here.
The following Bravo Supermarkets will also serve as drop-off locations for n0n-perishable food, personal hygiene items, over-the-counter medications, and biosecurity and protective supplies as part of the Embrace Colombia campaign, led by Casa Colombiana en USA:
THROUGH SATURDAY, 08/15/2026:
999 N Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 328072701 N Hiawassee Rd., Orlando, FL 328185854 Raleigh St., Orlando, FL 328354065 W Oak Ridge Rd., Orlando, FL 3280913024 Narcoossee Rd., Orlando, FL 3283212402 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 328373081 Michigan Ave., Kissimmee, FL 347444108 W Vine St., Kissimmee, FL 34741
Further, Conexus Workspace at 2419 Lake Orange Dr #120, Orlando, FL 32837, will serve as a drop-off location for supplies from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 12 through Aug. 15.