A Miami-area nonprofit is mobilizing to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated the country Wednesday, killing hundreds of people. Officials warn the death toll is expected to rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue.
Global Empowerment Mission, GEM, headquartered in Doral at 1850 NW 84th Ave., is accepting donations and coordinating an emergency response. The organization expects to have response teams on the ground in Venezuela by Friday.
At the group’s headquarters Thursday, staff members were preparing for donations to arrive: canned goods, water, hygiene products, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and other emergency items. But Rosy Levy, a board member for the group, said monetary donations can be moved faster than boxes shipped from Miami…