When a series of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela in late June, the faithful of the Diocese of Palm Beach answered the call to serve their brothers and sisters in need with extraordinary generosity.
Hosted in collaboration between the Diocese of Palm Beach and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, the Helping Hands for Venezuela campaign united parishes, volunteers, donors, and community partners in an emergency humanitarian response to support families affected by the disaster. The campaign invited parishioners and the wider community to donate critically needed food, medical supplies, hygiene items, and financial contributions that would be delivered through the Church's humanitarian network in Venezuela.
Over the Independence Day weekend, four parishes across the Diocese served as collection sites, welcoming hundreds of donors who filled vehicles with essential supplies destined for communities struggling to recover from the catastrophic earthquakes. Catholic Charities coordinated the collection, transportation, and logistics, ensuring that every donation would reach trusted Church partners serving those on the ground.
The campaign also received widespread community support through local media coverage, helping raise awareness of the urgent humanitarian crisis and inspiring additional donations from throughout South Florida. News outlets highlighted Catholic Charities' rapid response and the opportunity for residents to stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during one of their greatest times of need.
"Our diocesan community once again demonstrated what it means to live our faith through action," said Ellen T. Wayne, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach. "In moments of tragedy, we are reminded that the Church knows no borders. Every donation represented hope, compassion, and the love of Christ reaching families who have lost so much."
Parishioners, clergy, volunteers, and community members came together with a shared mission: to bring relief, comfort, and hope to families facing unimaginable hardship.
According to Caritas Venezuela, the international response has already helped deliver thousands of tons of humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and emergency relief materials to tens of thousands of people impacted by the earthquakes. Local contributions from the Diocese of Palm Beach will become part of this larger global effort, ensuring that those suffering in Venezuela know they are not alone.
Catholic Charities extends its sincere gratitude to every parish, volunteer, donor, and community partner who participated in the Helping Hands for Venezuela campaign. Their generosity is a powerful witness to the Gospel and a reminder that, through faith and compassion, we can bring hope to those who need it most.
Together, the Diocese of Palm Beach has once again shown that even across borders and cultures, we remain one family in Christ.
