St. Agnes Parish Coordinates Aid After South American Earthquakes

St. Agnes Parish Coordinates Aid After South American Earthquakes By James Connolly, Crime & Public Safety Reporter | March 05, 2026 | Community NEW YORK — More than $15,000 in medical supplies, water purification tablets, and emergency blankets were sorted in the basement of St. Agnes Parish on Wednesday. The humanitarian effort, organized by South Queens faith leaders, aims to provide direct assistance to families impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. South Queens Faith Communities Respond to International Natural Disaster The volunteer initiative was launched in response to the massive earthquakes that caused widespread destruction across South America last week. According to NPR, rescue teams in Venezuela are racing against time on day four after twin earthquakes killed more than 1,400 people and left tens of thousands unaccounted for. Many Howard Beach residents have close relatives living in the Caracas region and have spent the past several days desperately trying to establish contact with their families. The local donation drive offers a practical way for neighbors to support relief efforts while waiting for updates on communications lines. Parish Leaders Coordinate Cargo Shipments with the Venezuelan Consulate "Many of our families are living in state of constant anxiety, and this donation drive gives us a sense of purpose during a terrible crisis," Reverend Monsignor Thomas Sandi said Wednesday afternoon while supervising volunteers. Sandi confirmed that the parish is working with the Venezuelan Consulate in New York to ensure the supplies are shipped directly to relief agencies on the ground. And the cargo shipments will be transported to JFK International Airport by local logistics companies who have donated their services to the cause. The first pallet of emergency medical kits is scheduled to depart on a cargo flight early Thursday morning. Community Organizers Mobilize Donation DropOff Centers Across Queens Several local businesses along Cross Bay Boulevard have set up designated dropoff bins for nonperishable food items, baby formula, and heavyduty flashlights. Volunteers from local high schools are assisting with sorting and packing the items to ensure they meet international shipping standards. This rapid community response highlights the deep ties between Howard Beach residents and global communities in times of crisis. Many neighbors use the to share lists of requested items and coordinate volunteer shifts at the parish hall. These local relief efforts are a testament to the neighborhood's cooperative spirit, which is regularly displayed during challenging times. Residents maintain this strong civic focus even as they monitor local safety concerns, such as the earlier this winter. Public Health Experts Emphasize the Urgency of Clean Water Access Relief coordinators have stressed that preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses is the primary focus of the emergency aid shipment. The donation drive has prioritized portable water filtration units and industrialgrade sanitizing supplies to support field hospitals. And several local doctors have volunteered to travel to the affected region next week to provide emergency medical care. The medical team is collecting specialized surgical supplies and pediatric medicines to bring with them on their mission. Frequently Asked Questions How can Howard Beach residents contribute to the earthquake relief drive? Residents can drop off nonperishable food, baby formula, medical supplies, and new blankets at the St. Agnes Parish hall during regular business hours. Monetary donations can also be made through the parish's secure online portal, with 100 percent of the funds directed to humanitarian agencies operating in the affected earthquake zones. What specific items are most needed for the South American relief effort? The Venezuelan Consulate has requested highpriority emergency items, including professional firstaid kits, water purification tablets, solarpowered flashlights, sterile bandages, and overthecounter pain medications. Volunteers ask that donors do not bring used clothing or perishable food items, as these cannot be included in the immediate cargo shipments.

St. Agnes Parish Coordinates Aid After South American Earthquakes

Community

Newstrix

Written By: