HAZLET, NJ — The local community has rallied together to support a Hazlet firefighter's relief donation drive for those affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela.
As of Wednesday night, over 3,800 people have died since a pair of earthquakes devastated Venezuela in late June, ABC News reported.
The earthquakes, which struck on June 24, knocked down buildings and homes and injured thousands of people.
In the wake of this devastation, Hazlet Firefighter Gabriele Amato started a donation drive to collect essential supplies for those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela.
Since starting this drive toward the end of June, Amato said their first drop-off included about 18-20 boxes, bags and bulk packages of donated supplies.
These donations ranged from medical and first-aid supplies and over-the-counter medicines to hygiene products, baby supplies, diapers, adult care items, non-perishable foods, rice and paper goods.
"Once sorted and packed, it represented hundreds of individual items donated by members of the community," Amato told Patch.
The first round of donations was delivered to Lulla's Bakery in Brooklyn, NY, on Monday, which is serving as a collection and consolidation hub for relief efforts supporting Venezuela.
In addition to their collaboration with Lulla's, the drive is also working with local Venezuelan community partners to help collect additional donations in the area.
La Taguara, a Venezuelan restaurant in Red Bank, of the same people as the Sweet Pepper Amaizeing food truck, has partnered with Amato to help gather supplies locally and provide another way for people in the area to support the effort.
At this time, the items most needed for the drive are:
Baby supplies, hygiene items and non-perishable foods are also still very helpful, Amato said.
Drive organizers are asking people NOT to donate clothing, shoes, water, opened items, expired items, prescription medications, homemade food, or glass containers.
Donations can continue to be dropped off at Hazlet Fire Co. No. 1, located at 570 Holmdel Road, Hazlet, NJ 07730.
To coordinate drop-offs, you can call 332-254-3360.
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who has donated, shared the information, helped pack, or helped spread the word," Amato, who is originally from Venezuela, said. "This effort is very personal to me."
Amato went on to say that he has been proud to serve his local community as a volunteer firefighter, and that through this donation drive, "that same community has shown up in a beautiful way to help my homeland."
"It has been very emotional to feel that support come full circle, to give back to the community I now call home, and then see that community help send hope back to Venezuela," he said. "This country opened its doors to me and has been my home for many years."
Seeing people come together to help others, even across borders, reminds Amato of the values America stands for, he said: compassion, generosity, service, unity, and freedom.
"As we celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day, I feel especially thankful to live in a country and a community where people care enough to help families they may never meet," Amato said.
"To everyone who has supported this effort so far: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every donation, every share, and every act of kindness matters."
For more details on the drive and suggested donation items, you can click here.
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