Venezuela earthquake aid center in Panama temporarily suspends donations due to overwhelming response

The outpouring of support for Venezuela earthquake victims in Panama has exceeded all expectations, leading to a temporary halt in donation collections. The "Casa Club" at Parque Omar, designated as a collection point, became overwhelmed, forcing organizers to suspend further contributions until further notice.

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We have too much help outside in the street that we haven't been able to get inside. So, for now, we cannot receive more help.

Volunteers are now focused on safeguarding the aid already received and preparing shipments for Venezuela. "We have too much help outside in the street that we haven't been able to get inside," one organizer stated, explaining the need to reorganize and pack supplies. The concern is that the weather might damage the donations stored outdoors.

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We don't want the merchandise or the aid that arrived and is outside to get wet because the weather looks like it's going to rain. We are trying to empty and assemble the boxes as quickly as possible so that all the aid that is outside can come back in and tomorrow we can continue receiving more help.

The public has been asked to temporarily suspend visits to the Parque Omar center. The First Lady's office will announce when collections will resume. Other collection points remain active across Panama. Organizers emphasized a shift in priorities, highlighting an urgent need for medicines and specialized medical supplies to treat the injured. One volunteer noted a critical shortage of specific items like Foley catheters, appealing to private companies for support with restricted-use medications.

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I am working with the Red Cross on the medication part with the doctors and we only have these two types of Foley catheters. These are the only ones we have and this is urgent.