A Vero Beach non-profit organization is urgently calling on the Treasure Coast community for logistical support after a massive local donation drive exceeded all expectations. Latinas Nexus Network, a locally based group, has successfully collected more than 100 boxes of essential supplies destined for victims of the recent 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Venezuela. However, the overwhelming generosity of Indian River County residents has created an unexpected challenge: the organization now desperately needs a box truck to transport the donations to South Florida.
The Vero Beach community rallied to donate over 100 boxes of medical supplies, diapers, and daily necessities for earthquake relief in Venezuela, prompting a local non-profit to urgently seek a donated 12 to 16-foot box truck to transport the goods to Miami by Friday.
Since launching their collection efforts, the founders of Latinas Nexus Network have been working tirelessly to gather, sort, and pack crucial items ranging from diapers to specialized medical supplies. The original plan was to load the collected goods into personal vehicles and drive them down to Miami, where they are partnering with the Global Empowerment Mission for international shipment and distribution.
Juliana Marino, co-founder of the organization, noted that the outpouring of local support was unimaginable and quickly filled up all available passenger car space. The sheer volume of boxes means that a larger, commercial-style vehicle is now the only viable way to ensure these vital resources reach Miami in time for deployment.
The mission is deeply personal for the organization’s leadership. Founder Lourana Navarro, who was born in Venezuela, shared that she has family living near the earthquake’s epicenter. Seeing hundreds of thousands of people displaced and living in the streets fueled her determination to mobilize the Vero Beach community to action. With the collection phase complete, the final hurdle is delivery.
To finish this critical relief mission, Latinas Nexus Network is asking local businesses, fleet owners, or residents for immediate assistance. The specific logistical needs include:
- Vehicle Type: A 12 to 16-foot box truck capable of hauling large quantities of boxed supplies.
- Timeline: The truck is needed no later than Thursday to allow organizers adequate time for loading.
- Destination: Transporting the 100-plus boxes from Vero Beach to the Global Empowerment Mission facility in Miami this Friday.
The organizers are incredibly grateful for the generosity already shown by Vero Beach residents and are hopeful that someone with a suitable vehicle will step forward to bridge this final gap. Anyone in the Indian River County area who can donate the use of a box truck or assist with the transport is encouraged to reach out immediately. You can contact Lourana Navarro directly at (954) 205-0700 or Juliana Marino at (772) 913-0805 to offer your support.
