The recent double earthquakes in Venezuela have left countless families and children facing unimaginable hardship. As someone with close friends from Venezuela and connections to former Cleveland Indians baseball players whose families are directly affected, I feel a deep responsibility to help. My daughter is currently working with a not-for-profit organization that serves meals to disaster victims, and they are setting up operations in Venezuela to provide immediate relief. The devastation is overwhelming, and we want to do everything we can to support those in need.

Through the HandsOnSports Foundation, we are organizing a shipment of over $266,000 worth of essential medical supplies to Venezuela. This container includes general medical supplies, disposables, syringes, gauze, tape, bandages, tourniquets, gloves, gowns, masks, sanitizers, and many more critical items. In addition to these life-saving supplies, we always strive to include soccer (futbol) gear—shoes, balls, and apparel—for the children. I believe that soccer can be a powerful bridge between cultures and a beautiful distraction from the hardships of life, especially for children enduring such difficult times. Our foundation has previously sent aid to Puerto Rico after hurricanes, to Haiti following earthquakes, and to North Carolina for flood victims, as well as supporting free clinics in Northeast Ohio.

Every donation will make a difference for a family or a child in dire need. Join my friends Kenny Lofton, Alvaro Espinoza, Omar Vizquel, and Carlos Baerga from the Cleveland Indians baseball team and help us get these supplies shipped to where they are needed most. We will continue to collect soccer gear and prepare to add it to our second container of supplies. Your support means the world to those who have lost so much, and together, we can bring hope and relief to Venezuela.