Wondering how you can help those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela? Here are local donation drives, funds, and drop-off locations in the Chicago area.
In the wake of Venezuela’s devastating back-to-back earthquakes this past week, Chicago-area organizations and thousands of Venezuelans who call our city home are rallying to provide emergency relief and finding ways to help from afar. The first 7.2 earthquake hit just west of Caracas, followed by a second 7.5-magnitude quake, making it one of the strongest in over a century. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but Chicago-area nonprofits and local businesses across the city are collecting donations, raising funds, and gathering essential supplies to support those in need. If you are wondering how to help Venezuelan earthquake survivors from Chicago, here’s how you can make a difference.
Donations and volunteering opportunities
The Illinois Venezuelan Alliance is raising funds to support earthquake survivors and coordinating with local relief groups working directly in the affected regions. Donations will help provide emergency supplies and assist displaced families.
Every contribution, regardless of amount, helps deliver aid to communities impacted by this disaster. A donation of as little as $25 can help cover basic emergency needs, while $50 can support the delivery of essential supplies. Gifts of $100 or more can contribute to longer-term community recovery efforts.
Supplies can also be donated directly to the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance Headquarters at 3340 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60623. Volunteers are also needed to help package and ship items to Venezuela.
Learn more about the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance at ilvenalliance.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Support from local Venezuelan restaurants
Rica Arepa has three Chicago locations and has stepped up by donating a percentage of sales and tips to earthquake victims. The restaurants are also collecting supplies that they will ship to affected areas in Caracas. Here’s a list of items still needed and the locations where they can be dropped off.
Supplies to donate
Nonperishable food items: Canned goods, rice, pasta, flour, canned fish, powdered milk, sugar, salt and grains
Hygiene products: Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, women’s sanitary products, diapers, deodorant, baby wipes
Where to drop supplies off in Chicago
📍 Rica Arepa Lakeview: 3913 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
📍 Rica Arepa Armitage: 4253 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago
📍 Rica Arepa Addison: 7534 W. Addison St., Chicago
📍 Jibaritos y Más: 3317 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago
📍 BienMeSabe Venezuelan Café & Restaurant: 1637 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
Local Support Networks
Check out local organizations like Panas en Chicago who are there to support the local Venezuelan community. They offer everything from educational resources and social programs to crisis assistance and community events that help families feel connected and supported. Learn more and connect with the organization here.
On July 5, Panas en Chicago is hosting a fundraiser to collect donations for Venezuelans in need and is also seeking volunteers. If you’d like to donate, you can drop off items from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Olivet United Methodist Church, located at 147 S. Keeler Ave. in Chicago.
International organizations
International organizations responding on the ground include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen, CORE, and Global Empowerment Mission, and more.
How to locate missing loved ones
Many families are trying to locate missing relatives following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. If you or someone you know needs help finding a loved one, these official channels are available to help:
Contact the Venezuelan Embassy by emailing contacto@embaveus.net.
Reach out to the American Red Cross by calling 844-782-9441 and submit an International Reconnecting Families Inquiry Form directly through the website.
