OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 Community leaders in Central Florida are spearheading efforts to provide supplies to Colombia in the wake of a deadly earthquake that struck the region Monday.<\/p>\n
The 7.4 magnitude quake killed more than 200 people and leveled dozens of buildings. Thousands of people are still unaccounted for. Arley Avila, president of the Colombia-American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando quickly mobilized his network to help the earthquake-ravaged country.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, what the people need is food, water, clothing, food, especially for babies and the elder,\u201d Avila said. \u201cSo that\u2019s what we\u2019re trying to get right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers have been in direct communication with people in Colombia. Stephanie Schutt, a delegate to the newly elected President, lives in Central Florida and has been spearheading efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are more than grateful with all those people that already came here and for helping us,\u201d Schutt said.<\/p>\n
The items will be packed and shipped to Miami. From there, the packages will be flown directly to relief workers in Colombia. The first charter flight left today, Schutt said.<\/p>\n
Direct Relief, a Santa Barbara-based non-profit announced a $50,000 grant to supply medications to Colombians displaced by the earthquake.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working with our partners on the ground,\u201d said Erick Molina, a regional director with Direct Relief. \u201cThey\u2019re informing us on what is needed at medical facilities, by the doctors, for the patients.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d like to assist with relief efforts or donate, you can reach the Colombia-American Chamber of Commerce at (407)241-9782.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n