NewsWBEZ ChicagoJuly 1, 2026United States
Chicago community groups organize earthquake relief for Venezuela
Local Chicago organizations are collecting donations and supplies to send to Venezuela following two recent earthquakes. Volunteers are gathering essential goods and funds to transport aid to Miami, where it will be shipped to the affected region.
Read the full story at WBEZ ChicagoWhy It Matters
Chicago residents are actively donating supplies and funds to support disaster relief efforts for earthquake victims in Venezuela, with local organizations coordinating the logistics of shipping these items to the disaster zone.
Key Facts
- Two earthquakes occurred in Venezuela less than a week prior to June 29, 2026, resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
- La Tiendita at 5627 S. Michigan Ave is serving as a drop-off point for relief supplies.
- Requested items include medications, hygiene products, and personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles.
- MESA Chicago is collecting items to fill a U-Haul for transport to Miami.
- The Illinois Venezuelan Alliance loaded approximately 250 boxes of supplies in Little Village for transport to Miami.
- Global Empowerment Mission will facilitate the final delivery of goods from Miami to Venezuela.
- Organizers state that monetary donations are needed to cover the costs of shipping and transportation.
- Relief collection efforts are expected to continue for several months or up to a year.
Who's Mentioned
location5627 S. Michigan Ave“Address of La Tiendita.”other59“Age of Luciano Pedota.”personDani Salazar“Volunteer at La Tiendita who has family in Venezuela.”organizationGlobal Empowerment Mission“Disaster relief organization handling final transport to Venezuela.”organizationIllinois Venezuelan Alliance“Group coordinating donation loading in Little Village.”locationCoppin Community Center“Location of the La Tiendita free store in Washington Park.”other26“Age of Dani Salazar.”organizationLa Tiendita“A free store and food pantry serving as a donation drop-off point.”personLuciano Pedota“Interim executive director of the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance.”organizationMESA Chicago“Mutual Aid for Immigrants group supporting relief efforts.”personArcelia Guerrero“President of MESA Chicago and director of La Tiendita.”