Venezuelan communities on Long Island collect supplies for relief efforts following earthquake
Venezuelans living on Long Island are collecting donations to support relief efforts for people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
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More than 1,000 people are dead and more than 65,000 remain missing after back-to-back earthquakes devastated Venezuela. As recovery efforts continue, members of Long Island's Venezuelan community are stepping up to help by collecting donations for those affected.
At three different collection drives, volunteers gathered non-perishable food, medical supplies, batteries, flashlights, clothing, pet supplies, and more.
"I think it's important for all of us to chip in, one way or another," said Marcy Suarez of Brentwood.
For many Venezuelans living on Long Island, the disaster is deeply personal. Some have family and friends directly impacted by the earthquakes.
"In my hometown, a building collapsed. There are people still trapped underground," said Jaimar Duprez of Smithtown.
Anny Velasquez of East Meadow said donating is one of the few ways the community can help from afar.
"This is what we can do. We are far away, so it's the best way we can help," Velasquez said.
Suarez, a mother of two, said she focused her donations on helping families with young children.
"I'm a mom and I have two young kids. As you can see, most of the stuff I brought was baby products, formula, and diapers," she said.
Organizers said the response from the community reflects the close-knit nature of Venezuelans both at home and abroad.
"They are not alone and we are going to help them out. We are in a better situation than they are. Venezuelans are really close and help each other," said Miguel Casteluce of Bohemia.
Velasquez said Venezuela faces significant challenges in responding to a disaster of this scale.
"Venezuela needs all the help it can get. The country is not prepared for an event like this," she said.
Organizers said all donations collected Saturday will be transported to two collection sites in Brooklyn before being shipped to Venezuela, where they hope the supplies will reach families in need.
"This is our moment to be human. To support each other. It doesn't matter where we are from," Duprez said.
