ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Central Florida\u2019s Venezuelan community is organizing relief efforts for survivors of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, calling on residents to donate everything from baby supplies to personal care items \u2014 and even body bags.<\/p>\n
Community leaders gathered Tuesday to provide an update on the humanitarian crisis and outline how Central Florida can help.<\/p>\n
As of Tuesday, the official death toll has risen to at least 1,719 people, with more than 5,000 injured and tens of thousands still missing after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart on June 24.<\/p>\n
Bravo Supermarkets, a Hispanic grocery store chain, joined Casa de Venezuela Orlando and other community organizations to launch a donation drive for victims.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeginning today, the foundation will be accepting donated supplies and coordinating support and relief efforts,\u201d organizers announced during Tuesday\u2019s news conference.<\/p>\n
Rescue crews from around the world continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, while aid organizations race to deliver critical supplies.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople cannot eat thoughts and prayers. They cannot digest thoughts and prayers. They need actual support,\u201d said Cliff Long with the Orlando Regional Realtor Organization and Foundation.<\/p>\n
Organizers say the greatest needs include shelf-stable food, vitamins and nutrition bars, but they are also asking donors to think about the most vulnerable survivors.<\/p>\n
\u201cVitamins and nutrition bars. Those are some of the things we need,\u201d said William Diaz of Casa de Venezuela Orlando.<\/p>\n
In addition to food, organizers are requesting donations of baby formula, diapers, baby wipes and other infant supplies, along with items for older adults.<\/p>\n
Some of the requested donations are intended for those who did not survive the disaster.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the important needs that we have right now are body bags for dead bodies,\u201d said Vicente Perez, legal coordinator for Casa de Venezuela Orlando. \u201cWe can send it to Venezuela, to the ground zero.\u201d<\/p>\n
The U.S. Department of State also highlighted its response to the disaster, saying it has directed $300 million to relief organizations operating in Venezuela to provide critical humanitarian aid.<\/p>\n
Organizers said they do not have an end date for the donation drive and will continue accepting supplies for as long as they are needed.<\/p>\n
Donations can be dropped off at participating Bravo Supermarkets and designated community collection sites throughout Central Florida.<\/p>\n
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