‘Idaho Unites for Venezuela’: Local community rallies to send aid following deadly earthquakes
Kaelyn Blessinger
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Thousands of people are in dire need after a rare double earthquake struck Venezuela over the weekend, but the Eastern Idaho community is already stepping up to help.
As the official death toll continues to climb, a local group of volunteers has gathered to support earthquake victims and the exhausted search-and-rescue teams on the ground.
Idaho Unites for Venezuela is actively collecting donations and emergency supplies to send directly to the hardest-hit areas. Organizer Javier Hurtado says the community response has been immediate, with hundreds of supplies already pouring in from residents and local businesses alike.
“We just received some donations from Health Healthcare of Medicine…” Hurtado said. “A lot of volunteers showed up today, and we are already receiving so many donations from the community.”
According to CNN, at least 2,295 people have been confirmed dead, with thousands more still feared trapped in the rubble.
To help, the group is gathering critical items for First aid kits, along with essential supplies:
Medical & First Aid
Bandages, gauze, and medical tape
Antiseptics and rubbing alcohol
Disposable gloves and face masks
Basic over-the-counter medications
Infant & Personal Care
Powdered milk and baby formula
Diapers (both baby and adult sizes)
Baby wipes and personal hygiene items
Emergency Food & Shelter
Non-perishable food items
Flashlights and batteries
Blankets and sleeping bags
New or gently used clothing
Volunteers will be collecting donations tomorrow, Thursday, July 2nd, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cherry Glass / AdvantaServ on 2695 N. 25th E. in Idaho Falls. For more information, click HERE.