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<\/a>ORMOND BEACH, Fla. \u2014<\/p>\nCentral 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe need heavy machinery to help with removal of rubble of buildings that have collapsed,\u201d Sanchez said. <\/p>\n
The organization is seeking tools that can help with debris removal and rescue efforts. <\/p>\n
\u201cHammers, you know, jackhammers, cutters, big cutters, you know, the industrial-size ones, anything that can be used, shovels, anything, masks, whether they\u2019re N95s or the regular masks,\u201d Sanchez said. <\/p>\n
The Cultural Awareness Fund is partnering with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to collect donations. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The latest relief effort comes just six weeks after the organizations rallied to collect donations for Venezuela following another devastating earthquake. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am concerned about a little bit of the burnout,\u201d Trent said. \u201cBut that\u2019s why I\u2019m thinking of something different.\u201d <\/p>\n
This time, some people who donate tools will receive a free game card as a thank-you. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe just want to, you know, tell the community thank you by giving them something fun to do after they drop off a tool,\u201d Trent said. <\/p>\n
Sanchez said he hopes the first shipment of supplies can be sent within the next week. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur intention is, try to get it there to the hands of the people that need it as quickly as possible,\u201d Sanchez said. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n