Fort Myers community unites to support Venezuela following earthquakes

Venezuelan community members and local food vendors in Fort Myers are coming together to organize donation efforts for victims of two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela that killed at least 150 people.

"I have friends that are still missing," Jose Andres Peña said.

Pena joined the gathering in Fort Myers, where Venezuelan advocates and local business owners discussed ways to help those impacted by the earthquakes.

Juan Pena, an organizer, spoke about the resilience of Venezuela and the importance of moving forward.

"Venezuela is a resilient country. Despite the circumstances, we've got to move forward in the mighty hands of God. We can't stay still," he said.

Local vendors, including food trucks in Fort Myers, plan to set up donation bins to collect clothes, food and medical supplies for those affected by the disaster.

Brandon Lucas also attended and hopes more of the community will join him in helping Venezuela.

"Making people aware of the situation that is going on in Venezuela, not only with this earthquake, which has been devastating, but this country over the last 10 years has just been devastated politically and financially. This is just the last thing that these people needed," Lucas said.

The group plans to begin collecting donations at the Brisas del Sur apartment clubhouse Friday morning.