Lexington group collecting safety and medical supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims

A Lexington-based group called the Venezuela Lexington Relief Campaign is collecting supplies for victims of two earthquakes in Venezuela, organizers said in a report Tuesday.

The effort formed after conversations among Venezuelans living in Kentucky, many of whom said they have friends and family directly affected by the disasters, according to WKYT. Organizer Jose Acevedo said the group came together to respond to what he described as a horrendous episode in the country’s history, and he said the organizers held meetings to coordinate ideas into a workable collection plan.

Organizers said nearly 3,000 people were killed and more than 50,000 were left missing, based on the reported toll in the WKYT account. They said they are prioritizing safety equipment, including helmets, and medical supplies, reflecting the immediate risks that come with damaged infrastructure and limited access to care after earthquakes.

In background reporting on the broader response, WUKY cited accounts of intensifying aid efforts in the region after powerful earthquakes, including reports of growing frustration over equipment shortages and a slow or disjointed government response in Venezuela. That reporting also described survivors left without stable shelter and health systems under strain, helping contextualize why groups are focused on essential items such as protective gear and medical support.

The Lexington organizers did not outline a public agency partnership in the WKYT report, but they described their plan as a community-driven collection. The campaign’s emphasis on safety and medical supplies indicates an attempt to get usable items to people dealing with debris, injuries, and disrupted services in the aftermath of the quakes.

As the collection continues, organizers will need to manage questions that typically affect relief drives, including how items are categorized, transported, and delivered, and whether shipments align with the needs identified by on-the-ground responders. The campaign’s next steps, including the specific drop-off or pickup process and any timeline for dispatch, were not detailed in the initial WKYT report.