The two earthquakes that hit Venezuela last week decimated communities in the country, leaving thousands of people in dire need of assistance. In their wake, the earthquakes left not only damaged homes, roads and other destroyed infrastructure — but they also claimed more than a thousand lives to date. As many countries around the world have started to mobilize around humanitarian aid efforts, in New York City, restaurants, businesses and local officials have started to as well, turning their establishments into ad-hoc aid drop-off hubs.
These hubs serve as collection centers where people can donate essential items from non-perishable food, like dried and canned beans, to hygiene products for children and families. Some organizations are also soliciting volunteers to help pack the food for shipping. In many cases, monetary donations are also being accepted to help cover the logistics and shipping costs of sending the aid to Venezuela.
If you are looking for ways to help contribute to the Venezuelan earthquake relief efforts, here is a list of drop-off locations around the city that are actively collecting donations and soliciting help. Call in advance to see what items are being accepted.
What items can be donated?
It depends on the location.
Generally, most drop off centers accept non-perishable food — like rice, canned beans, water bottles, and shipping materials like cardboard boxes and packing tape to ship the aid products. Others might accept power banks, generators and other larger-ticket emergency items. The key takeaway here is that it is highly recommended to contact the drop off center before planning your visit, as the donations needed might change throughout the day.
Can I volunteer my time?
Yes.
Some organizations need volunteers to organize and help pack items for shipping. Call in advance or check their social media accounts to see the hours of operation and the location(s) for volunteering, as they might differ from the regular business hours and address.
What are other ways to help?
New Yorkers can also donate money to the following reputable international organizations (listed in alphabetical order) that are offering humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the earthquakes.
Catholic Relief Services: an international humanitarian organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities around the world through humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Global Impact: a philanthropy organization that helps nonprofits, corporations, and governments increase charitable giving worldwide.
International Red Cross: an international humanitarian network providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and protection for people affected by conflict and crises.
International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee(IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives.
UNICEF USA: a global humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights, health, education, and protection.
Victoria Venezuela Foundation: a nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities in Venezuela through education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development initiatives.
If you are helping to organize a relief effort in the NYC area and would like to be included in this resource guide please contact info@documentedny.com
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