St. Agnes Parish Coordinates South American Earthquake Relief Drive By Newstrix | March 12, 2026 | Community NEW YORK — "Our community has always shown incredible generosity when global crises strike, and this relief effort is no exception," St. Agnes Parish Reverend Monsignor Alfonse Cacciapuoti said Thursday morning. The statement was made as volunteers began organizing emergency donation boxes in the parish hall. Volunteer Teams Mobilize in Parish Center to Process Medical Supplies The local community response has been swift following the powerful earthquake that struck South America last week. More than 45 local volunteers spent their morning sorting through donated medical supplies, nonperishable food, and warm clothing. Parish leaders are working in coordination with international relief organizations to ensure the goods are delivered directly to the affected regions. Donation dropoff points have been established at several local businesses along Cross Bay Boulevard to make it easy for residents to participate. The relief drive will continue through the end of the month, with shipping containers scheduled to depart the port early next week. Organizers are particularly in need of firstaid supplies, hygiene kits, and infant care products. Relief Coordinator Details Logistics of International Aid Delivery "We are working with established nongovernmental organizations to bypass logistics bottlenecks and deliver this aid directly to families in need," relief coordinator Maria Esposito said Thursday. Esposito confirmed that the parish has already raised over $15,000 in monetary donations to cover the shipping and customs fees. Local civic groups have also contributed to the fundraising efforts, organizing bake sales and benefit dinners to support the cause. The local schools have joined the initiative, with students writing letters of support to send along with the relief packages. These communitywide efforts reflect the strong philanthropic spirit of the neighborhood. Donation Data Highlights Neighborhood Generosity in Times of Crisis Financial records from previous parish relief drives show that South Queens residents consistently contribute significant resources to international aid efforts. During the 2023 humanitarian crisis in Europe, the parish successfully raised over $35,000 in under three weeks. This consistent support has made the parish one of the leading localized relief coordinators in the diocese. Organizers are maintaining a detailed inventory of all physical donations to ensure transparency and efficiency. This documentation helps relief teams match the shipped goods to the specific needs reported by onground agencies. The detailed list of accepted items is updated daily on the church bulletin board. South Queens Philanthropic Traditions Built on Diverse Community Roots This immediate response to international disasters builds on a long history of charitable work in the South Queens area. The neighborhood's diverse cultural makeup means that many families have personal connections to various parts of the world, driving a strong desire to help during global emergencies. The documentation details how these spiritual and civic organizations regularly unite to coordinate emergency aid. These collaborative efforts help strengthen local community bonds while providing vital assistance to vulnerable populations abroad. Civic leaders emphasize that the parish center serves as an essential hub for both local support and global outreach. The relief drive is expected to expand its volunteer hours to accommodate weekend donations. Project Progress Shared on Parish and Community Media Portals Residents looking to volunteer or make a financial contribution can find more details online. The provides regular updates on the donation drive's progress and lists of urgently needed items. Volunteers can also sign up for specific packing shifts through the online registration portal. Organizers plan to post photos of the packed shipping containers as they depart the local collection facility next week. This transparency helps reassure donors that their contributions are actively moving toward their destination. The parish remains committed to supporting the recovery efforts throughout the rebuilding phase. Frequently Asked Questions What items are most urgently needed for the South American earthquake relief drive? The relief coordinators are prioritizing medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Nonperishable food items with long shelf lives, infant formula, diapers, and hygiene kits are also in high demand. Due to shipping regulations and sorting capacity, the parish is currently unable to accept used clothing or perishable food items. How will monetary donations to the St. Agnes relief fund be utilized? One hundred percent of the monetary donations made to the St. Agnes relief fund go directly toward purchasing bulk emergency supplies and paying for international cargo s
