Quick recap
Two powerful earthquakes recently struck Venezuela, leaving more than 1,700 people dead and tens of thousands unaccounted for. Rescue teams are still combing through rubble and hoping for miracles, while families everywhere wait with heavy hearts.
One Atlanta family’s waiting game
Jeannel Edghill, who lives in Gwinnett County, has been living every family member’s worst nightmare: calling, waiting, and hoping for news from loved ones back home. Her uncle, Jose Gregorio Echenique, answered when neighbors called his name outside his hotel the night the quake hit. But by the time rescuers reached him beneath the debris, he had already passed.
Survivors pitching in
Not everything in Jeannel’s story is sorrow. Her brother and nephew survived and immediately started helping others — hauling water and supplies to people who have no running water for cooking or cleaning. That kind of neighborly hustle is happening in many communities: survivors becoming first responders the moment they can move.
Local relief efforts and drop-off details
Jeannel works at a Venezuelan restaurant called Papelon con Limón in Peachtree Corners, and they’ve turned the place into a small relief hub. They’re collecting nonperishable food and toiletries during business hours to send back to the hardest-hit areas. Donations are being routed through the Principito Foundation for delivery.
Where and when to drop off donations
Papelon con Limón is accepting donations at their restaurant: 5175 S Old Peachtree Road, Peachtree Corners. Hours for drop-offs are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you can, bring canned goods, dry food, toiletries, and other shelf-stable items.
Community gathering: prayer and support
The restaurant is also hosting a community prayer on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. — a quiet, collective moment for anyone mourning losses or worried about friends and family in Venezuela. It’s informal: bring your thoughts, your hugs, and maybe tissues.
Wrap-up
The scale of this disaster is huge, but local people are doing what they can: searching, sharing, and collecting. If you’re nearby and want to help, consider dropping off supplies or showing up for the community prayer. Small actions add up, and right now, the people affected could use all the hands and hearts they can get.
