Coral Springs gathering supplies for Venezuela after earthquakes. How to help
Businesses and nonprofits in Coral Springs are leading the charge to help Venezuelan families in need.
On Wednesday, back-to-back earthquakes devastated the country’s northern coast, with almost 1,000 confirmed casualties as of June 26 and wide-scale destruction of homes, hospitals and other buildings.
People across South Florida — many with connections to the embattled nation — are coming together to assist those who are only beginning to pick up the pieces.
Here’s what’s happening in Coral Springs:
Finding Nemo production, Pilates classes
Young actors from the nonprofit Act 1 will put on two special productions of “Finding Nemo” at 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, in the Coral Springs Charter School auditorium. Tickets cost $10 and will be sold at the door, with all proceeds going to the relief effort.
Then, on Sunday, Gabriela Orellana of FueGo Sculpt will host a give-what-you-can fitness class at Riverside Park from 8 to 9 a.m. Register online with Sweatpals.
Attendees at both events are encouraged to bring items that will be donated to the Venezuela relief effort:
- Bottled water, nonperishable food
- Baby formula, diapers
- Hygiene items
- First aid kits and items
- Clothing and shoes
- Blankets and towels
- Pet food
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids partners with CFH Logistics
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, located at 2350 N. University Dr., will serve as a collection point for requested items, including:
- Medical and first aid supplies
- Flashlights and batteries
- Personal hygiene items
- Nonperishable food items
Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28.
“No donation is too small. A few cans of food, a pack of batteries, or basic medical supplies can make a real difference for families going through an incredibly difficult time,” the shop’s owner said in a Facebook post.
Pediatrician, preschools host ongoing donation drive
Allegra Family Pediatrics and Big Blocks Preschool are teaming up to collect essentials for families impacted by the double earthquake.
According to social media posts, they had collected over a dozen boxes of supplies to send to Venezuela, including infant formula and diapers, as of June 26.
Those who would like to support the drive can drop off donations at Big Blocks Preschool (10601 Wiles Road) or Tiny Blocks Preschool (5925 Lyons Road) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Requested items include:
- First aid kits, bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol), other painkillers
- Flashlights, batteries, solar-powered chargers
- Bottled water, baby formula
- Diapers, baby wipes, personal hygiene products
- Clothing and blankets
Staff will take the donations to Global Empowerment Mission sites to be packaged and taken to those in need.
Solo donation efforts expand access
Some individuals with connections to Venezuela are asking for more specific items to send to the country.
Be Nice Pool Services has requested donations of gently used construction tools, in addition to clothing and medicine, be dropped off at 9713 NW Fourth St. in Coral Springs. Call 954-663-6230 or message on Facebook for more details.
Another group of Coral Springs residents is collecting shovels, pickaxes and more to be flown from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Interested donors can contact organizers directly via Facebook.
