'Every donation counts': Community rallies support for Venezuela earthquake victims

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Members of the Venezuelan community in the Triangle are collecting donations for people affected by devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, which officials say have killed thousands, injured many more and left widespread destruction across the country.

"I was in shock," said Luz Mendoza, who is originally from Venezuela. "(I have) no words."

Mendoza dropped off bags of donated items Friday outside Mezcalito Durham Grill & Tequila Bar. The restaurant, along with Barbaro and Aaktun Coffee, Restaurant and Bar, is serving as a collection site for donations.

Sophea Morales, who grew up in Venezuela and now oversees social media and marketing for Mezcalito, said the restaurant's owners immediately wanted to help after learning about the disaster. They gave people a place to donate, and covered the shipping costs.

Morales also served as a translator during ABC11's conversation with Mendoza.

SEE ALSO: NC deputy, K-9 teams deploy to Venezuela after devastating earthquakes

While Morales said her immediate family is safe, she knows people who have been directly affected by the earthquakes.

"I still have friends who died in the earthquake, and I have a friend's grandma who is missing," she said. "It's been quite a lot."

Organizers say donation drives like this are especially important as communities in Venezuela begin the long recovery process. They are focusing on collecting baby supplies, medical items and other necessities.

"In Venezuela, currently the situation is not really good," Morales said. "Everything that we could send them or any help that we could give them, it's going to make them feel better and maybe have a sense of having something after they lost everything," said Morales.

SEE ALSO: Mother who survived Venezuelan earthquake with her newborn speaks out

Mendoza said she worked with a women's group to collect donations.

"I'm collecting (children's items) because they're going to be the future of our country," said Mendoza, who worked with a women's group to gather items.

Donations will be accepted through 8 p.m. Friday, with plans to ship the supplies overseas next week.

"Every donation counts," said Morales.