MIAMI.– In response to the devastation caused by the hurricane Beryl on several islands in the Caribbean, the organization Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), located in Doral, intensified its efforts to send help to the affected families.
Ricardo Vietri, GEM’s financial director, told DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS that 500 boxes with basic necessities were sent out on Wednesday and 5,000 were being filled by around 50 volunteers on Thursday.
Donations from various locations throughout South Florida are being accepted at GEM headquarters (1850 NW 84 Ave, Doral, FL 33126) and at public libraries in North Dade, South Dade and Aventura.
They can also be dropped off at the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street in Miami.
Wednesday’s aid was sent to Curacao and Thursday’s aid was being packed for Jamaica and Martinique, Vietri said.
Hurricane Beryl, currently a Category 3 hurricane, hit Jamaica and Grenada this week. Meanwhile, a hurricane warning was issued for the Cayman Islands on Thursday.
GEM is requesting necessary items such as tarps, generators, trash bags, non-perishable food items, sleeping bags, work gloves, solar lights, tents, industrial sponges and first aid kits.
In addition, hygiene kits, including a hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo (small), soap, wipes, deodorant, among others.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined the campaign and said the county’s 30,000 employees can also donate in other ways.
“They will have the opportunity to donate, voluntarily, the accumulated vacation time, which is converted into cash,” said the councilor.
Volunteers are needed to help mobilize donations, in conjunction with the Caribbean Consular Corps and SFL Caribbean Strong.
Volunteer hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week, beginning July 3 (including Independence Day) at GEM’s Doral warehouse.
