The Houston Astros and several local businesses are collecting donations for Venezuela earthquake relief Houston efforts after powerful back-to-back quakes struck the country last week. The drives are focused on food, hygiene products, baby supplies, medical items and temporary shelter needs.
Venezuela Earthquake Relief Houston Efforts Grow
The earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24 and were followed by more than 135 aftershocks. Local reports said rescue and recovery work remained active as families searched for survivors and basic supplies.
The disaster has hit Houston’s Venezuelan community hard. Many families in the area still have relatives and friends in Venezuela. In response, restaurants, shipping businesses, sports organizations and community groups have opened donation sites across the region.
The Astros Foundation is one of the largest local groups joining the response. The team is working with Global Empowerment Mission to collect and move supplies to affected areas.
Astros Foundation Collecting Supplies at Daikin Park
The Astros and Astros Foundation are hosting a Venezuela Disaster Relief Drive on Thursday, July 2, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations will be accepted at Union Station at Daikin Park, located at 501 Crawford Street.
Fans attending the Astros game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, July 3, can also bring supplies. The team said donations will be collected at all stadium gates.
Items requested include canned protein, canned fruit, canned vegetables, ramen, ready-to-eat meals and cases of water. The list also includes new sleeping bags, tents, cots, air mattresses, blankets, backpacks, work gloves and tarps.
The Astros are also asking for hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and wet wipes. Baby items include diapers, wipes, new bottles and children’s hygiene products.
Local Businesses Open Donation Sites
Several Houston-area businesses have also opened collection points.
Sharky’s Waterfront Grill and Chimichurri’s South American Grill are collecting donations through July 4 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurants are located at 1600 West Lake Houston Parkway.
Accepted items there include medical supplies, baby essentials, hygiene products and new or gently used clothing.
Gusto Gourmet, a Venezuelan fusion restaurant in the Greenway and Upper Kirby area, is also collecting relief support. The restaurant is focused on medical and baby supplies, not food or clothing. A portion of restaurant tabs will also support relief efforts.
Metabox Cargo, a Venezuelan-owned shipping company, has become another local hub. Its Katy location at 19308 Morton Road is working with Los Andes Food Market to collect donations and prepare boxes for shipment. Additional Metabox locations are open in Spring and Cinco Ranch.
Other Houston-Area Drop-Off Locations
Several other businesses are collecting supplies across the region. They include Beer and Grill at 25810 Westheimer Parkway in Katy, Pa que maru at 4410 42nd Street East in Dickinson, Lieskawin Style at 2727 North Mason Road in Katy and Mi Querencia Latin Market at 25600 Westheimer Parkway in Katy.
10th Planet Houston in EaDo is also accepting donations. The gym is located at 3420 Rusk Street and is collecting items Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents planning to donate should check hours before visiting. Needs may change as shipments leave Houston and relief groups update priority lists.
Cash Donations Also Accepted
For those who cannot drop off supplies, relief groups are also accepting monetary donations. The Astros also have an online donation option tied to their relief drive.
Proceeds from the team’s Friday Share2Care 50/50 Raffle will support Venezuela relief efforts.
Houston’s response reflects the city’s deep Venezuelan ties and its broader Latino community network. As recovery continues, local organizers say food, medical items, baby supplies and cash donations remain important ways to help families affected by the earthquakes.