(FOX40.COM) — As the death toll in Venezuela continues to rise in the aftermath of twin earthquakes striking the northern part of the country this week, one Sacramento family is doing their part to bring help to those impacted.
As responders remain fighting against time to save lives at the site of the natural disaster, Jofreiter Caceres wanted to make a difference all the way from Arden Way.
“I’m from Venezuela. My dad and my family still live there,” Caceres said, speaking to FOX40 with the help of a translator.
He and his loved ones have personal ties to those impacted so they have first-hand knowledge of what the country needs most.
All weekend, they’re collecting emergency medical supplies like surgical gowns, sterile gloves, diapers and more. The family has partnered with an insurance agency to help make the shipments happen in a timey manner.
“Thank God most of my family lives in like the west side of Venezuela,” donor Marcie Ortiz said. “…They felt the earthquake and a lot of their stuff was scattered around the floor and stuff like that.”
She said she had no idea how vast the local Venezuelan population was and that it was heartwarming to see the community coming together.
“After seeing all the images that are going around on social media and like the seeing how big the catastrophe actually was, I just started looking into ways I can help from here,” Ortiz said. Because I feel pretty helpless.”
According to Venezuelan leaders, families have reported more than 68,000 people still missing.
Another donor, Rhoda Frick-Hisaw, said the pain is a reminder to not give up and to show support.
“My motivation? My family.” Frick-Hisaw said. “…I’m so sad right now for that situation. I want to be there to try to help.”
Caceres said he’s launching a foundation to continue providing support for Venezuelans.
He and his family will be out at 2200 Arden Way on Sunday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. for those looking to donate.
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