Broward County is mobilizing a community-wide relief effort to help families impacted by last week's devastating earthquake in Colombia.

The 7.4-magnitude quake struck Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction, damaging infrastructure, and claiming lives across the region. In response, Broward County officials are partnering with residents and businesses to collect essential supplies for communities facing a long recovery process.

Beginning Monday, August 17, donation collection sites will open throughout Broward County, providing residents with an opportunity to support those affected by the disaster.

"The Colombian community is an essential part of Broward County's identity," Broward County Mayor Mark D. Bogen said in a statement. "When their loved ones face tragedy, we stand right beside them. Through this relief fund, we're establishing a trusted channel to deliver vital aid, food, and financial resources directly to the hardest-hit areas."

County officials say the most-needed items include non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, baby supplies, pet care items, and disaster recovery equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, first-aid kits, solar-powered lights, batteries, tarps, and work gloves.

Organizers are asking donors not to contribute clothing or linens, whether new or used.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

Collection bins will be available at several Broward County library branches, including:

Miramar Branch Library and Education Center
North Regional/Broward College Library in Coconut Creek
Northwest Regional Library in Coral Springs
South Regional/Broward County Library in Pembroke Pines
Southwest Regional Library in Pembroke Pines
West Regional Library in Plantation

Donations will also be accepted daily at the following Broward County parks:

Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill
Markham Park in Sunrise
Tradewinds Park & Stables in Coconut Creek
T.Y. Park in Hollywood

County leaders say recovery efforts in Colombia are expected to continue for months, if not years, as communities work to rebuild homes, restore power, and recover critical services.

Residents and businesses interested in contributing can drop off supplies at any designated collection site beginning August 17. Additional information is available at Broward.org.

How to Help

Most-needed donations:

Non-perishable food
Personal hygiene products
Baby supplies
Pet supplies
First-aid kits
Tents and sleeping bags
Solar-powered lights
Tarps
Batteries
Work gloves

Officials say every donation can help provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery efforts for families affected by the disaster.

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