Riley Lehman
•8/20/2026
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Fort Myers is leading a relief effort to help people impacted by a devastating earthquake in Colombia.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia last Monday, killing more than 300 people. Fort Myers Councilwoman Diana Giraldo requested support from the city council and fire departments to help give back to her native country.
The city is working alongside local businesses to collect donations and transport them to several foundations in Colombia. They are accepting new and unopened items including baby and adult diapers, sleeping bags and pads, blankets, rain ponchos, first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, toiletries, tents and pet food.
"When there is a hurricane coming, we know we're prepared. The earthquake didn't give them any notice," Giraldo said. "There is loss, and there is devastation, and how we always come together in our community, and we always have as a city. Me personally, when we have local natural tragedies, we're paying it forward, helping those, providing a blessing to those less fortunate in Colombia."
Fort Myers Fire Chief Tracy McMillion emphasized the importance of the relief effort.
"If we can just, you know, change the effects of one person's life, I think we've done our job," McMillion said. "But really, want this impact to really touch as many as possible."
People can drop off donations at any of the eight Fort Myers Fire Department stations until Wednesday. Next Thursday, LQ Commercial will transport the items to the Port of Miami, then they will be flown to Colombia.
