Union City community collects donations for Venezuela earthquake victims
“I have to do something for my country, and this is a way that I can help right now,” Boscan said.
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The Union City community is coming together to help families in Venezuela after a devastating double earthquake left over 1000 people dead and many others without a home.
Donations have been pouring into Maracaibo Restaurant, where owner Greyli Boscan launched a donation drive on Thursday after seeing the destruction in her home country.
“I have to do something for my country, and this is a way that I can help right now,” Boscan said. “I’d like to be there, but I can’t. This is the way that I can help right now.”
Volunteers have been sorting and packing boxes filled with medicine, nonperishable food, hygiene products and other essentials. So many donations have come in that organizers are also using a nearby home to store supplies.
“It’s incredible how many boxes we have ready,” Boscan said.
The effort has drawn support from people across the community.
“I have no blood connection to Venezuela, but my heart is with the country, and I’m hurting just as much as they are,” said Rachel Weber, who is a volunteer.
Organizers say medicine is especially needed, as hospitals in the earthquake-stricken areas are running low on supplies. Hygiene products, baby items, pet supplies and adult diapers are also among the most requested donations.
The donation drive has expanded to other local businesses, which are also accepting contributions:
Merey Venezuelan Cuisine in Highland Park
Zetta's Arepas Bistro in Cliffside Park
Fundación Venezuela in Woodland Park
Donations will be accepted through Sunday at 5 p.m.
