information about Donation Centers
SOLIDARITY AND HUMANITY
In the face of the natural disaster that is deeply affecting Venezuela today, our hearts fill with urgency and a profound desire to embrace from afar those who need it most. Our community’s will to help is immense and is our greatest treasure. However, for that love and effort to translate into real relief on the ground, our solidarity must above all be responsible and purposeful.
HOW TO HELP RIGHT NOW
Our hearts are with Venezuela. If you are looking for ways to offer support, please keep the following in mind:
Physical shipments will take time: Due to the severe structural damage Venezuela has suffered, transportation logistics are heavily disrupted. Please be aware that supplies and physical cargo collected at donation centers could take several weeks to arrive and be distributed — or at least longer than expected.
WITH RESPECT AND COMMITMENT
We ask everyone to act under three pillars of responsibility:
Focus strictly on real and urgent needs: Before donating common items that others may have already donated (such as clothing, water, or mattresses), it is vital to align with current priorities on the ground. Based on direct reports from our own contacts and community networks in Venezuela, the critical and urgent supplies needed right now are:
- Baby food (formula and infant foods)
- Bedding (clean sheets and blankets)
- Painkillers and basic pain medications
- Diapers (for both children and adults)
- Bed pads (absorbent underpads)
- Medical and protective gloves (in large quantities)
- Water purification tablets
DIRECT SUPPORT
Check directly before donating: We ask each of you to actively consult with your neighbor, family member, friend, or trusted community groups in the affected areas. Ask them directly: “What do you need exactly, right now?” This way, we ensure that what is donated responds to a real and immediate need at each collection center or community.
Direct support is the fastest route: If it is within your financial means, sending direct support to your family members, friends, or organized neighborhood networks in heavily affected areas such as Caracas or La Guaira state (Vargas) is currently the fastest and most effective way to deliver immediate relief while mass transportation routes are being restored.
Helping is an extraordinary human act, but helping responsibly doubles the impact of our solidarity.
With deep respect and commitment,
Niurka Meléndez & Héctor Arguinzones
Co-founders and Co-directors
Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, Inc. (VIA)
Donation Centers
What to Donate
Medical Supplies
- Neosporin
- Bacitracin
- Sterile gauze pads
- Bandages
- Alcohol-soaked gauze
- Povidone-iodine
- Vicks VapoRub
- Pediatric medical supplies
- Vitamin K
- Blood pressure monitor
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Ibuprofen
- Antipyretics (fever reducers)
- Children's multivitamins
- Adult multivitamins
- Cold & flu medicine
Personal Hygiene
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Combs
- Hair brushes
- Dove or glycerin bar soap
- Antibacterial soap or gel
- Body lotion
- Medium-sized towels
- Batteries
Clothing & Footwear
- Underwear for children and adults
- Lightweight clothing in good condition
- Socks
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers (no heels)
Cardboard Boxes
- Medium Heavy Duty boxes (available at Home Depot)
Ready-to-Eat Food
- Protein bars and granola bars
- Trail mix and nuts
- Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, mango)