Following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is leading a countywide relief effort to deliver urgent support to families and communities affected by the disaster. In partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), the Tax Collector’s Office is coordinating a large-scale donation drive, with Tax Collector offices serving as official drop-off locations.

“The heartbreaking scenes coming out of Venezuela remind us how quickly lives can change,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Families have lost loved ones, homes and buildings have been destroyed, and entire communities are facing an incredibly difficult road ahead. We stand with the people of Venezuela, and every donation will help provide comfort, relief, and hope during this difficult time.”

How to Help

Bring new, unopened items to any participating Tax Collector office during regular business hours.

Accepted Donation Items

Non-Perishable Foods

Canned protein, including chicken, beef, tuna, Vienna sausages, and sardines

Canned fruits, beans, and vegetables

Dried fruits and vegetables

Protein bars, crackers, chips, and beef jerky

Ramen

Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)

Cases of bottled water

Hygiene Items

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Deodorant

Feminine hygiene products

Toilet paper

Wet wipes

Baby and Children’s Items

Diapers

Baby wipes

New bottles

Children’s hygiene products

New clothing
 

Temporary Household and Emergency Needs

New sleeping bags, tents, cots, air mattresses, blankets, pillows, suitcases, and backpacks

Work gloves, shovels, rakes, work boots, and hazmat suits

KN95 masks and face masks with respirators

Hand and foot warmers

Large industrial trash bags

Tarps and duct tape

Flashlights and batteries

Portable radios

First-aid kits

LifeStraw water filters

Solar-powered lightweight lanterns

Solar-powered power banks

Please note that only new items will be accepted. Used clothing, bedding, and household items will not be collected.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

Donations may be delivered to participating Miami-Dade County Tax Collector offices during regular business hours. (Monday thru Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM) 

All collected donations will be coordinated through Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a South Florida-based humanitarian organization recognized for its rapid and transparent disaster-response operations worldwide. GEM will assist with the collection, organization, transportation, and distribution of relief supplies to communities affected by the earthquake in Venezuela.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Gianfranco Puppio at [email protected] or (786) 414-0557.