When powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in June, communities across the country were left facing widespread damage and an urgent need for food, medical care and other basic necessities. For Emily Villarroel, the disaster was a call to action.
Wanting to help families affected by the earthquakes, Emily organized a fundraiser to provide much-needed assistance. Thanks to the generosity of those who contributed, the funds helped provide food and medical supplies to families in need, offering practical support at a time when many were facing tremendous uncertainty.
But the impact of Emily’s efforts didn’t stop there.
Funds raised also helped support a National Children’s Day celebration, providing toys for local children and creating an opportunity for joy and connection during an especially difficult time.
“I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to give something back to my home country, Venezuela,” said Emily. “During such a difficult time, I felt a strong need to support the families affected by the earthquake in any way I could. Being able to raise funds and help those in need has been deeply meaningful to me.”
Emily’s efforts are a powerful reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require a large organization or a major initiative. One person who sees a need and chooses to act can inspire others to join in—and together, those individual acts of generosity can have a meaningful impact.
The Need for Support Continues
Although the earthquakes struck on June 24, recovery is ongoing. Thousands of people remain displaced, and many families continue to face challenges accessing safe shelter, healthcare, clean water and other essential services.
UNICEF estimates that 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, need humanitarian assistance as a result of the earthquakes. Its response includes healthcare and nutrition assistance, safe water and sanitation, child protection, and psychosocial support for children and families.
How You Can Help
If Emily’s story inspires you to help, several established humanitarian organizations are supporting earthquake relief and recovery efforts in Venezuela:
- UNICEF is accepting donations specifically to support its Venezuela earthquake response, helping provide children and families with medical care, clean water, sanitation, nutrition and other critical services.
- The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is supporting the Venezuelan Red Cross as it provides healthcare, first aid, shelter and recovery assistance. The response includes a field hospital and first-aid stations in La Guaira, along with humanitarian supplies and cash and voucher assistance.
Whether you choose to donate, raise awareness or find another way to lend a hand, Emily’s story shows how a single act of compassion can grow into something much bigger—and bring both help and hope to people when they need it most.