The Venezuelan community in north texas has swiftly mobilized to send crucial aid to their home country in the aftermath of last week’s devastating earthquakes. The seismic events, which struck near Caracas and Apure, have left a trail of destruction, with an estimated 1,500 lives lost and thousands injured. The community’s response has been both immediate and heartfelt, showcasing their unwavering support for those affected.
The efforts are being spearheaded by individuals like Maria Fernanda Freites, affectionately known as ‘Beba’ among her friends. Freites, a nail salon owner, has paused her business to focus on organizing relief efforts. Alongside a group of dedicated women, she has been cooking traditional Venezuelan dishes such as sopa de pollo and chuletas de puerco to distribute in exchange for donations. These donations include non-perishable foods, medical supplies, clothes, shoes, and personal hygiene products.
The Community’s Heartfelt Response
Freites expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, ‘All the people that have helped us have shared what they have in their heart.’ The collected donations have already been sent to Venezuela, where local volunteers are distributing food, water, and medical supplies to those in need. Freites emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that local delivery businesses are collaborating to expedite the transportation of supplies via plane.
Freites, who immigrated to the U.S. three years ago, hails from Caracas, an area heavily impacted by the earthquakes. While her family has been accounted for, she is aware of many others who are still missing. ‘There’s a lot of people that are lost‘ she said, highlighting the community’s determination to help as many as possible. ‘We’ve been in agony for the last 72 hours‘ she added, reflecting the collective distress felt by the community.
Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
Milagros Coromoto Martinez Oropeza, another key figure in the relief efforts, shared her personal story of loss. Oropeza, who has been in the U.S. since 2018, lost her uncle in the earthquakes, and her cousins remain missing. ‘I’m devastated. My heart and soul are in pieces‘ she confided. Her family, particularly those on her mother’s side, has been deeply affected by the tragedy.
Oropeza’s emotional account underscores the broader impact of the earthquakes on the Venezuelan community. She expressed her frustration with the situation, stating, ‘Sometimes I cry and it gives me agony that we Venezuelans don’t deserve this.’ Despite the challenges, she remains committed to helping those in need, reflecting a sense of resilience and solidarity within the community.
United in Support
The relief efforts organized by Freites and Oropeza are part of a larger movement within the Venezuelan community in North Texas. These efforts are driven by a shared sense of responsibility and a deep connection to their homeland. Freites emphasized the collective nature of their work, stating, ‘We are all doing this to help our country, our people.’ She further noted that ‘Venezuela is not millions of people. We are one person, and we will always be there for one another.’
As the community continues to rally together, their actions serve as a testament to the power of unity and compassion. Despite the immense challenges posed by the earthquakes, the Venezuelan community in North Texas remains steadfast in their commitment to supporting those in need. Their efforts highlight the importance of community support and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.