Tampa unites to aid Colombia in wake of earthquake

TAMPA — The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck on Aug. 10 at 7:34 a.m. — with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó — shook not only Colombian soil but also the hearts of a community that, despite living hundreds of miles away, feels the pain of those who lost everything as its own.

Official casualty figures from the National Government stand at 273 dead, 3,824 injured, and 377 missing.

In Tampa, the news quickly turned into action.

Foundations, associations, private companies and Colombian citizens decided to set aside their differences and unite under a single banner: the Tampa Solidarity for Colombia Committee. Its purpose is to collect humanitarian aid and get it to the people affected by the disaster.

The Casa 21 bar and restaurant was chosen as the main collection point — a venue that, in recent days, has transformed from a mere commercial establishment into a hub of solidarity.

Boxes, food, medicines and essential supplies arrived there, along with — above all — stories from people eager to contribute something to those currently in need of practically everything.

A community that answered the call

For Marta Manjarez, president of the Colombian-American Association of Florida (ASOCOL), the emergency found a community ready to respond.

“A group of us — representing various foundations, associations, private companies, and individual Colombians — came together to create the Tampa Solidarity for Colombia Committee,” she said.

As part of this alliance, it was agreed that ASOCOL would serve as the public face of the project and call upon Colombians in the Tampa Bay area to drop off their donations at Casa 21. However, the solidarity did not stop at just one location. Community leader América Osorio said 11 other collection points were set up across the Tampa Bay area. The goal was to consolidate all aid at Casa 21 to fill the shipping container destined for Colombia.

However, the response exceeded expectations.

What began with about 40 volunteers grew to more than 100. Those responsible for receiving donations, sorting items, packing boxes and loading the container found that this community effort offered a tangible way to stand with those suffering in Colombia.

Aid heads to Colombia

Behind every box lies a genuine concern: ensuring the aid actually reaches those who need it most.

Marta Manjarez noted that a key assurance is that the cargo will be transported from Miami via flights coordinated and subsidized by the Colombian government.

The initial plan called for the container to leave Casa 21 on the evening of Friday, Aug. 14, bound for Miami. There, the cargo will be loaded onto the flight designated to transport the donations to Colombia.

David Brinez, the owner of Casa 21, is well aware of the effort required for an operation of this scale.

“Everything we collected is going directly to those affected by the earthquake,” he said, explaining that his establishment made its facilities available to the community to streamline the collection and organization of aid.

The response came from beyond Colombia, too.

Brinez highlighted that people from Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico also stepped up to contribute.

Because when tragedy strikes, borders matter less.

More than just food: tools for rebuilding

The emergency does not end in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, so the needs go beyond food.

Requested items include construction gloves and hard hats for debris removal, protective face shields and masks, portable generators, stoves, tents, nonperishable food, medicines, sheets, blankets and pet food.

These items represent more than just a donation. A helmet can mean protection for someone searching through the rubble; a stove can restore a family’s ability to cook their meals; a blanket can become a refuge during a difficult night; and a box of food can bring relief when all else seems lost.

A tent, too, can serve — for a few days — as a roof over the heads of a family that has lost its home.

“Today for you, tomorrow for me”

Casa 21 had previously opened its doors to respond to emergencies and support charitable causes. Brinez recalled that the establishment also served as an aid collection point following the earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, and hosted other activities aimed at helping those in need.

Her philosophy is summed up in a simple phrase: “You never know — today for you, tomorrow for me.”

It is that spirit that seems to have gained momentum in recent days.

The tragedy in Colombia brought together people who might never have met before but shared a common concern: helping.

For volunteer Claudia Figueredo, learning the scale of the earthquake brought a deep sense of anguish. She thought of her family, her friends, and all those directly experiencing the disaster.

“So much pain,” she recalled when describing how she felt upon hearing the news. But distance can also bring a sense of helplessness.

How can one help from afar? Claudia found her answer by becoming a volunteer.

“With all my love,” she said; although she cannot be physically present in Colombia to help directly, she can dedicate her time to organizing and preparing donations to be sent to those who need them most.

And she found something else, too: the strength of a united community. “There are so many of us Colombians who love to help,” she said with emotion.

A donation bearing the name of Colombia

Among those who arrived at Casa 21 was Lourdes Viuxa. She carried canned goods, pet food, soap, rice, canned fruit, towels and sleeping bags. Everything was new, purchased with the intention of giving it to those currently facing the aftermath of the tragedy.

Her explanation required few words.

“Because it is my Colombia, my homeland,” she said. Lourdes admitted she felt immense frustration at being unable to travel and help her compatriots in person.

She also feared for family members and acquaintances who might have been in the affected areas, but she channeled that concern into solidarity. Each item she brought represents a small response to a massive emergency.

Colombia needs help beyond just one week

The earthquake particularly affected areas in Chocó, Valle del Cauca and Risaralda, but also had consequences in other departments and municipalities.

That is why the members of the Tampa Solidarity for Colombia Committee know that this initial drive cannot be the end of the effort.

Marta Manjarez confirmed that discussions are already underway with other organizations and the city of Tampa to explore the possibility of continuing to send aid by sea to Barranquilla.

Perhaps one of the phrases that best sums up this solidarity drive comes from David Brinez: “We are all Colombia.”

This takes on special meaning when a country is going through a tragedy. Colombia has often shown it can unite around a jersey, a flag, a song, or a sports victory.

But it can also unite when sorrow comes knocking.