TAMPA, Fla. — As rescue efforts continue following twin earthquakes in Venezuela, members of the Tampa Bay community are mobilizing to collect food, toiletries and other essential supplies for survivors.

Volunteers with Boriquas de Corazón have spent the past several days sorting donations as community members continue dropping off much-needed items.

“We have been here for the last three days, except Sunday, working in the collection of the items,” volunteer Mireya said.

Donations have continued to pour in, with organizers collecting nonperishable food, toiletries and other necessities.

Leon Granado, president of the Venezuela USA Foundation, said he has been encouraged by the outpouring of support.

“Well, actually, I’m surprised by the community and how they’ve come together to help Venezuelans in Venezuela,” Granado said. “We have so many people bringing food, and on Saturday alone, we had 120 volunteers.”

While collecting donations has not been difficult, Granado said getting those supplies into Venezuela presents a significant challenge.

“Right now we have a very big issue. The government in Venezuela is not allowing donations from other countries,” Granado said. “We’re working with the U.S. Department of State to try to find a solution and send the donations to Venezuela.”

Florida is home to an estimated 474,000 people of Venezuelan origin, the largest Venezuelan population of any state in the country, according to the Pew Research Center. The organization estimates that more than 40% of Venezuelans living in the United States reside in Florida.

For many in the Venezuelan community, the disaster has been deeply personal.

“Some have been able to connect with their family, thank God,” Tampa City Council member Luis Viera said.

Viera said Venezuelans have endured years of political and economic turmoil and now face another devastating crisis.

“It’s just the right thing to do for people,” Viera said on offering support. “They have gone through so much over the last 25 years under Chávez and Maduro, and more recently the uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status.”

Granado said the relief effort will continue for as long as needed.

“Venezuela needs our help,” he said. “We’ll be here. It could be one week, two weeks, three weeks — I don’t know.”

Boriquas de Corazón is accepting donations of nonperishable food, toiletries and other essential supplies from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except Sundays. Organizers ask donors to ensure all food items are unopened and have not expired.