The Venezuela Disaster Is Real. So Are the Scams. Here Is Where Your Money Actually Helps.
A Note from the Editor:
This story is personal for us. One of our own staff members here at The Citrus Tea has immediate family in Venezuela. They are safe, and we are grateful for that. But safe does not mean unaffected. The devastation on the ground is real, widespread, and still unfolding. It’s something no one should have to face alone.
Polk County has a large and deeply rooted Venezuelan community, and we know many of you are going through that right now. That is why we wanted to get this information to you as quickly and as carefully as possible. Not just to help, but to make sure the help actually reaches the people who need it.
We will keep updating this story as verified local information becomes available.
— Becky McLachlan, Founder & Editor, The Citrus Tea 🍊
If you have loved ones in Venezuela right now, you are not alone. Our community is home to thousands of residents with deep ties to Venezuela, and the news coming out of that country this week has been devastating. Whether you are waiting to hear from family, searching for information, or simply wanting to do something to help, know that your neighbors see you and stand with you.
The need is urgent and real. The good news is there are safe, proven ways to help.
In the days following a disaster of this scale, donation scams move fast.
How Scammers take advantage of people’s generosity
Fake collection drives, unverified GoFundMe campaigns, and well-meaning but unaccountable local efforts can result in money never reaching the people who need it. The best way to protect your generosity is to give only to established organizations with verified operations on the ground in Venezuela. If you cannot confirm where the money goes, hold onto it until you can.
The U.S. Department of State has issued the same guidance: financial donations to established relief organizations are the most efficient and impactful way to help. Cash donations allow organizations to purchase supplies locally, avoid shipping delays, and direct resources exactly where they are needed most.
Disaster Hits Venezuela
Last Wednesday, two powerful earthquakes struck northwestern and central Venezuela in rapid succession. The first measured 7.2 magnitude, followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude main shock, with epicenters in San Felipe, Yaracuy. The earthquakes caused widespread damage across the country, particularly in La Guaira and Caracas, and represent the strongest seismic event to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
At least 920 people are confirmed dead and more than 3,000 have been injured, with rescuers racing to reach survivors beneath the rubble. The toll is expected to rise significantly as search and rescue operations continue. UNICEF estimates that 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Entire neighborhoods across Caracas and northern coastal states have been left in ruins, with international assistance now arriving to support overwhelmed local responders. Venezuela’s shattered economy and struggling health system are making recovery efforts even harder.
If you are trying to locate a family member in Venezuela, there are two community-built tracking sites available. Both allow families to register missing loved ones by name, photo, and last known location.
Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela and Venezuela Te Busca
Where to Give: Verified, Reputable Organizations
The following organizations have confirmed operations on the ground in Venezuela and have been vetted by independent charity watchdogs or the U.S. Department of State. Before giving to any organization not listed here, verify it first through Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Endorsed by the U.S. Department of State. CRS is working through Caritas Venezuela and the local Church to deliver emergency shelter, food, safe water, and medical care to affected families.
Samaritan’s Purse
Endorsed by the U.S. Department of State. Samaritan’s Purse is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team and airlifting an Emergency Field Hospital, along with shelter tarps, solar lights, blankets, and water filters to affected areas.
World Vision
Endorsed by the U.S. Department of State. World Vision is on the ground assessing needs and preparing its response to deliver critical relief to children and families, and help lay the foundation for long-term recovery.
UNICEF USA
UNICEF has activated a scaled-up emergency response, deploying additional staff and mobilizing supplies to reach an estimated 650,000 people, including 234,000 children, with assistance across health, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, and education.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC has teams on the ground in Venezuela delivering urgent health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection, education, food security, and livelihood services. The IRC consistently earns top marks from charity watchdog groups for efficient use of donor contributions.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
A Florida-based 501(c)(3) with more than 15 years of earthquake response experience across 14 major disasters worldwide. GEM has committed an initial $10 million in humanitarian aid and has deployed teams immediately to assess needs and deliver life-saving assistance. GEM also accepts in-person donations at 1850 NW 84th Ave, Unit 100, Doral, FL 33126, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Email: [email protected].
Are You or anyone you know Collecting Locally?
If you represent a verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is already approved to accept donations, is accountable to the state of Florida, and has an active relief effort underway for Venezuela earthquake victims, The Citrus Tea wants to hear from you.
We are building a verified local list of Polk County organizations collecting on behalf of Venezuela relief. We will confirm your 501(c)(3) status and accountability before adding you to our coverage. This is not about doubting your intentions. It is about making sure every dollar our readers give goes exactly where it is supposed to go.
Contact The Citrus Yea at [email protected] with your organization name, 501(c)(3) EIN, contact information, and details on how donations are being used and distributed. We will follow up promptly.
Polk County is a community that shows up for people.
Let’s make sure it counts. 🍊
Sources: Wikipedia, 2026 Venezuela Earthquakes; CNN; NPR; UNICEF USA; International Rescue Committee; Catholic Relief Services; U.S. Department of State; Global Empowerment Mission; WLRN; Billboard
