We know that when disaster strikes, the instinct is to do something. Many immediately think to fill a box and ship it. But donated supplies sent into Venezuela face serious obstacles: customs delays that can take weeks, confiscation at ports and borders, and goods that end up resold on the black market instead of reaching survivors.
But cash moves in minutes, not weeks. It lets people already on the ground buy exactly what their community needs, from a supplier they already trust, at a price they already know. The most effective way to help Venezuela right now is to fund people who are already there.
A two-day fundraiser on the Louisiana Northshore, organized in collaboration with Hola Northshore Foundation, with EmpaTaco and Cafe Tomas generously hosting and donating their space. 50% of every arepa order goes to verified organizations supporting children orphaned or displaced by the earthquakes.
The Clarilu Creative and iHartContent team on the ground is purchasing supplies based on what local communities actually need and delivering them daily. Right now, we’re assembling over 100 personal care and food bags for survivors. We urgently need $700 to make this happen. Donations are being accepted via our founder’s Venmo. It’s not tax deductible, but the impact is profound. This is the fastest way to help
Donate via Zelle:
lexistlaurent@gmail.com / Alexis St. Laurent
Not all organizations are created equal. The ones with teams already in Venezuela can get help to people fastest, and every hour counts. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of trusted organizations, including We Love Foundation.
The Arepatón for Venezuela is a two-day community fundraiser on the Louisiana Northshore, organized in collaboration with Hola Northshore Foundation, with EmpaTaco and Cafe Tomas opening their doors and donating to make it happen. These aren't sponsors. They're neighbors who showed up.
50% of every arepa order goes directly to We Love Foundation, a registered organization with a team on the ground in Venezuela supporting children who have been orphaned or displaced by the earthquakes.
Cafe Tomas: 544 Girod St. Mandeville, LA
Empataco: 1005 N. Collins Blvd. Covington, LA
We’ll share the menu soon! Pre-orders aren’t required, but they help our hosts ensure they have enough supplies on hand.
Proceeds will be sent directly to the registered foundations we have chosen, with a focus on those supporting displaced or orphaned children.