Alexa Velez
•6/26/2026
As rescue crews continue searching for survivors after twin earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, members of the Gulf Coast's Venezuelan community are stepping up to help from thousands of miles away.
Silva's Bakery in Naples Park has turned into a donation collection site, with dozens of people dropping off supplies throughout the day for families affected by the disaster.
Owners David Silva and his family, who are originally from Venezuela, said they learned about the earthquakes through voice messages from loved ones back home.
"They sent us a bunch of voice notes and videos," Silva said. "And it got even worse with every single hour that passed by."
The two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday just seconds apart, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5. The second quake was the strongest to hit the country in more than a century.
The hardest-hit areas include La Guaira, Caracas and nearby communities, where buildings collapsed and rescue crews continue searching through the rubble. The death toll has continued to rise, with thousands of people also reported injured or displaced as international rescue teams work to reach survivors.
Silva said the need on the ground remains overwhelming.
"We need canned food, medical supplies, batteries, flashlights," Silva said. "A lot of the EMTs and fire departments have absolutely zero resources. It's just neighbors helping neighbors."
The bakery is accepting nonperishable food, hygiene products, medical supplies, batteries, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags and even tools such as hammers and rope that organizers say can help rescue efforts.
For Silva, the mission is deeply personal.
He said his cousin, Victor Lopez, was inside a building that collapsed in Caracas, and his family has not heard from him since the earthquakes.
Many people stopping by to donate shared similar stories.
Yuri Porras, who has lived in the United States for more than a decade, became emotional while describing the devastation unfolding in her home country.
"I'm devastated. I'm heartbroken. I have so many mixed emotions," Porras said. "I wanted to contribute whatever I could."
She also expressed gratitude for the international response, thanking countries that have sent rescue teams and humanitarian aid.
The donation drive at Silva's Bakery will continue through July 6. Organizers say all donated supplies will be shipped to a partner organization in Venezuela for distribution to families impacted by the earthquakes.
