By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Coral Gables will open all four of its fire stations to donations of emergency relief supplies beginning Tuesday, joining a South Florida response to the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela that have killed more than 1,700 people and left thousands more unaccounted for.

The city announced June 29 that residents, businesses and community partners can drop off new, unopened emergency relief items at Coral Gables fire stations from June 30 through July 6, daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The donations will support relief efforts coordinated by Global Empowerment Mission, the Doral-based humanitarian organization helping lead the regional response.

A disaster with local ties

The earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, when back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes caused widespread destruction in Caracas, La Guaira and other areas. Reuters reported Monday that the confirmed death toll had reached 1,719, with more than 5,000 injured and nearly 16,000 people left homeless.

Coral Gables officials said the disaster carries particular weight locally because the city is home to many Venezuelan families. The response also reflects a broader South Florida mobilization centered in Miami-Dade County, where Venezuelan exile communities, local governments, businesses and humanitarian organizations have been collecting supplies and raising money.

“Today our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” Mayor Vince Lago said in the city’s announcement. “In moments of crisis, our community always steps forward. We invite residents and businesses to help us send urgently needed aid to Venezuela through Global Empowerment Mission.”

Where to donate

The four collection sites are Fire Station 1 at 2151 Salzedo St., Fire Station 2 at 525 S. Dixie Highway, Fire Station 3 at 11911 Old Cutler Road, and Firehouse 4 at 1345 Sunset Drive.

Donations will be accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 30 through July 6.

The city is asking donors not to block fire station bay doors, emergency access areas, driveways or roadways when dropping off supplies.

What the city is accepting

Accepted items include nonperishable food, hygiene supplies, children’s supplies and disaster supplies.

Food donations may include canned proteins such as chicken and Vienna sausage; canned goods including beans, fruit and vegetables; snacks such as bars, crackers and chips; and cases of water. Spring water will not be accepted.

Hygiene supplies may include toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and wet wipes. Children’s supplies may include diapers, wet wipes and children’s hygiene products. Disaster supplies may include flashlights, batteries, lanterns and small portable radios.

The city is not accepting clothing, used household items or loose, non-boxed goods. All donated items should be new, unopened and ready for transport.

Cash donations are not being accepted at city fire stations. Residents who want to make a financial contribution are being directed to donate directly through Global Empowerment Mission.

A Coral Gables firefighter in the field

Coral Gables Fire Rescue is also connected to the response beyond the donation drive. Division Chief Louis Fajardo has deployed with South Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2 to assist with rescue operations in Venezuela.

“The Fire Department’s motto is ‘Committed to Our Community,’ and that commitment extends beyond our borders when people are in need,” Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa said. “We are extremely proud that Coral Gables Fire Rescue is able to play a role in assisting those affected by this disaster, and we wish Chief Fajardo Godspeed in this honorable mission.”

Global Empowerment Mission has said its response includes delivering food, water, hygiene supplies, shelter materials and other essential relief items, while also supporting hospitals, health facilities and local organizations in affected communities.

What to know

Coral Gables will accept emergency relief donations at all four city fire stations from June 30 through July 6, daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Approved items include nonperishable food, hygiene supplies, children’s supplies and disaster supplies. The city is not accepting clothing, used household items, loose goods or cash donations. Financial contributions can be made directly through Global Empowerment Mission.