Community Rallies Support Amid Venezuelan Earthquake Grief

Kelly Montana, owner of a Venezuelan restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, stood holding photos of her parents. The emotional moment marked the longest period Montana had gone without contacting her parents, who were in La Guaira amid devastating earthquakes. Historically, she spoke to them constantly despite the distance.

Two massive earthquakes, 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck near Caracas on June 24. This left Montana unable to reach her parents and prompted her to use her restaurant as a donation drop-off point. Her parents were vacationing in La Guaira and remain among the over 40,600 missing individuals, according to a digital database tracking such cases.

The initial death toll has climbed from 600 to 2,200, intensifying the need for support. Volunteers like Lia Saba, her daughter Beverly Arbiz, and Alecia Negron, rallied around Montana, organizing supply donations.

Full Arepas, Montana’s restaurant, represents her native Venezuela far from home. Volunteers gathered Tuesday to box supplies ranging from hygiene products to nonperishables, hoping for a miracle. Olarte Transport plans to deliver these items from Miami to Venezuela.

Volunteer Andrea Casanova spoke of shock, recalling her grandfather’s survival after descending stairs with an injury during the quake. As many Los Angeles Venezuelans, like Casanova and Montana, face loss, unity becomes their goal.

In Long Beach, Nova Bakery participated as a donation center. Owner Pierina Barboza, from Merida, emphasized unity and hope for the affected. A box of goods at Full Arepas stands with a message of support for those impacted.

“The damage is huge, the need for help is there,” said Alviany Dominguez, a donor from Zulia, Venezuela.

Barboza plans to continue social media efforts, seeking further aid for the tragedy-stricken nation.

Amara Cafe committed its profits towards helping Venezuela via Global Giving. Amara Barroeta, the cafe’s owner, shared sentiments on the importance of Venezuelan cuisine in fostering community connections during hardship.

“I feel people needed a hug,” Barroeta remarked. The cafe became a refuge for Venezuelans to connect and support one another.

As donations persist at Full Arepas, the search for Montana’s parents continues. International teams strive to find survivors in La Guaira. Montana remains hopeful, expecting to find her parents regardless of the circumstances.