Hundreds of Venezuelan residents in South Florida gathered at the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) donation center in Doral on Friday to collect emergency supplies for those affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th.
By 3:20 PM, the line of vehicles filled with donations waiting outside GEM's headquarters at 1850 NW 84th Avenue in Doral exceeded an hour, as reported from the scene. The overwhelming response surpassed the organizers' expectations.
"The response has been massive. It's truly extraordinary, not just from Venezuelans, but from all Latin Americans. Look at how full it is here, and we keep filling up," described one of the volunteers at the collection center.
Essential items requested include potable water, non-perishable food, medicines, hygiene products, baby supplies, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide.
GEM is also accepting cash donations through their website to purchase supplies directly within Venezuela, as the logistics of transporting goods are costly.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava visited GEM's center to support the collective effort. "We need funds because sending things is expensive, and we can also buy items there that those suffering need," she remarked.
Christi Fraga, the Mayor of Doral, also attended, emphasizing the direct connection between her city and Venezuela. "It's a very difficult time for our community in Doral. We have a very strong Venezuelan community, and many families are directly affected. This hits very close to home," she stated.
Doral is home to over 30% Venezuelan-origin residents—about 27,000 in a city of roughly 76,000—and is popularly known as "Doralzuela." Miami-Dade County as a whole hosts more than 100,000 Venezuelans, the largest such community in the United States.
The pain of those who donated on Friday is personal. "I wanted to come and donate potable water, which is what's most needed right now. I have people, friends, close family members who are missing," shared a Venezuelan volunteer while packing supplies.
Another participant summed up the collective sentiment: "I can't be in my country helping in the way I wish I could, and I felt this was the least I could do right now."
GEM plans to transport the supplies by air to Venezuela, including alternative airports, as the Maiquetía International Airport suffered severe infrastructure damage. The organization collaborates with local partner "I Love Venezuela."
The official toll from the earthquakes stands at 920 dead and over 3,360 injured, with the UN estimating 6.76 million people affected. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, are the strongest recorded in the country's north in 126 years.
Besides GEM, other active donation points in South Florida, as reported by Univision Miami, include the lobby of the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Office (2700 NW 87th Ave), the Doral Legacy Park Community Center (11400 NW 82 St), and the restaurant Arepazo (10191 NW 58th St), open 24 hours. GEM accepts donations Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
"We continue working for all those in extreme crisis situations, hoping that good things will come," said Fedalis Rodríguez, a GEM volunteer and South Florida resident.
Supporting Venezuelan Earthquake Relief Efforts
What items are most needed for donation?
The most urgent items needed are potable water, non-perishable food, medicines, hygiene products, baby supplies, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide.
How can I contribute to the relief efforts?
You can contribute by donating supplies at designated collection centers or by making cash donations through the GEM website to help purchase supplies in Venezuela.
What is the impact of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes have resulted in 920 fatalities, over 3,360 injuries, and have affected approximately 6.76 million people. The quakes are the strongest recorded in northern Venezuela in 126 years.