Milwaukee Brewers players and community partners are launching an emergency relief drive for Venezuela after massive, back-to-back earthquakes hit the country June 24.
The earthquakes have claimed at least 1,400 lives, with thousands more injured. Hundreds of international rescuers have reached Venezuela to continue the search for survivors.
Brewers catcher William Contreras, outfielder Jackson Chourio and coach Nestor Corredor – all from Venezuela – are partnering with Forward Latino, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish to launch an emergency relief effort.
The “United for Venezuela” drive kicks off June 29 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3100 S. 41st St., with a Brewers meet-and-greet at 12:30 p.m.
“The public is invited to attend the campaign kickoff, donate urgently needed emergency relief supplies, meet the Brewers players, and hear firsthand about the humanitarian crisis and the immediate needs of families struggling to survive and rebuild,” according to a news release.
Requested donation items include:
The donation drive will continue through Friday, July 3. Donations can be dropped off at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chourio, Contreras and Corredor were part of Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic team. Each of their families are safe, but being away from their home country means difficult, emotional moments for the players.
Contreras wore his World Baseball Classic catching gear while facing the Chicago Cubs at home June 27, writing this message across his chest: Dios Bendiga VZLA, Dios Ayudanos (God bless Venezuela, God help us).
“When you’re at the plate, you’re thinking about every Venezuelan who lost their father or the father who lost his children, or those who lost their loved ones,” Chourio told the Journal Sentinel in Spanish. “That home run was for Venezuela.”
Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: William Contreras, Jackson Chourio launch relief drive after Venezuela earthquakes
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
