KATY, Texas – In the Houston suburb known as “Katyzuela” for its large Venezuelan population, the help is not stopping.
Roughly 50 pallets packed with food, clothing and water are staged and ready to ship to Venezuela after two devastating earthquakes — a 7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude — struck the country late Wednesday, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands more injured, authorities said.
Community steps up
Metabox Cargo, located at 19308 Morton Road, Suite 106, in Katy, has become a hub for relief efforts, with volunteers sorting through a steady stream of donations pouring in from the community.
Mercedes Perez, a representative with Metabox Cargo, says the need in Venezuela goes far beyond the earthquakes.
“In our daily life, without any catastrophic disaster, we have issues — electricity, lack of food — we have a difficult life there,” Perez said. “Can you imagine how hard it could be in that life with two earthquakes, back to back?”
What’s needed now
Organizers say the location is currently accepting the following items:
- Non-perishable food items
- Baby formula
- Sterile gloves
- Sterile gauze
- Sterile syringes
- Thermometers
- Blood pressure monitors
Note: The location is not accepting water, Powerade or clothing until Saturday.
Dr. Cristina Perez Viso, a general surgeon, is urging those in the medical community to get involved.
“Anything that sounds basic to you, we probably don’t have it,” Perez Viso said. “If you are within the medical field, you can help us by maybe contacting your organizations and seeing if any of these supplies can be brought here.”
How to help
Metabox Cargo, at 19308 Morton Road, Suite 106, Katy, TX 77449, is open today until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first shipment to Venezuela is set to go out Monday.