Help sending food to Venezuela
Donation protected
My name is Belsay Gonzalez, and I moved to United States in 2003 from Venezuela in order to provide a better future for my 2 daughters. I am currently a permanent resident living in Jupiter, Florida. Although I never lost contact with Venezuela it was not until June of 2016 when my in-laws called asking me for help that I started this campaign motivated by the horrible situation Venezuelans were and are continuing to endure. During this past year I have been able to help some friends and families by sending them boxes filled with toiletries, supplies, and food. Beneficiaries include in-laws, family members, and friends–but mostly people referred to me by others–or people that have contacted me when they discovered the campaign.
Since I am basically doing this with the help of my Mom, my husband, and other family members I mostly spend funds on the goodies and shipment costs. My only overhead is some gas (I shop around so I get the best deals), and some items like tables, trollies, and baskets needed to organize and handle donations. I also collect food within my workplace from my generous co-workers and local residents at my town's church.
At the beginning of my journey I set a very conservative goal thinking that the food crisis would be temporary, but honestly I was skeptical. I was, and still am surprised and touched beyond belief by the amount of support I have received.
Thanks to the donors I have managed to help about to 40 families (out of those 8 are my relatives). Some families have been helped once others have been beneficiated several times, and have recived food as donations come in.
I have also supported a charity called Feed the Solidarity, which prepares food for children and families who live in the poorest areas of Caracas, Venezuela.
I basically ship 3 square feet boxes directly to people's home or to their jobs if they live in suburban areas.
My last shipment was sent right before protests started, so the delivery took longer due to difficulties transiting through Caracas. I am currently shopping for dry food, baby formula, powered milk, diapers, basic medicine & toiletries, and other essentials. Hopefully I will be able to start shipping in about two weeks or as soon as the situation settles down in Venezuela. My plan is to incorporate more beneficiaries sending help to another charity called FUNDANA. Please give us a hand in continuing to help families feed their children and elderly relatives.
Since I am basically doing this with the help of my Mom, my husband, and other family members I mostly spend funds on the goodies and shipment costs. My only overhead is some gas (I shop around so I get the best deals), and some items like tables, trollies, and baskets needed to organize and handle donations. I also collect food within my workplace from my generous co-workers and local residents at my town's church.
At the beginning of my journey I set a very conservative goal thinking that the food crisis would be temporary, but honestly I was skeptical. I was, and still am surprised and touched beyond belief by the amount of support I have received.
Thanks to the donors I have managed to help about to 40 families (out of those 8 are my relatives). Some families have been helped once others have been beneficiated several times, and have recived food as donations come in.
I have also supported a charity called Feed the Solidarity, which prepares food for children and families who live in the poorest areas of Caracas, Venezuela.
I basically ship 3 square feet boxes directly to people's home or to their jobs if they live in suburban areas.
My last shipment was sent right before protests started, so the delivery took longer due to difficulties transiting through Caracas. I am currently shopping for dry food, baby formula, powered milk, diapers, basic medicine & toiletries, and other essentials. Hopefully I will be able to start shipping in about two weeks or as soon as the situation settles down in Venezuela. My plan is to incorporate more beneficiaries sending help to another charity called FUNDANA. Please give us a hand in continuing to help families feed their children and elderly relatives.
Organizer
Belsay Gonzalez
Organizer
Jupiter, FL