Friends, this is Jheovanny Gomez.

As you have seen in the news, a massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake has shaken the lives of thousands of people in Colombia, my other home.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives or someone they love. Many have literally lost everything they own. Thousands of homes and apartment buildings have collapsed, leaving families on the streets with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

By the grace of God, every member of our family has been accounted for and is safe. Unfortunately, so many others from my city cannot say the same.

I am incredibly thankful that our families have been spared from this tragedy, but at the same time, I feel compelled—and even obligated—to do something to help. In the coming weeks, Johana and I will be traveling to Colombia to be there in person and do our part to help those affected.

With that in mind, I am appealing to your generosity to help us make a difference in a community that once helped shape the person I am today.

Please don’t ever think that $1 is not enough. Every single dollar can make a difference. And if you are unable to help financially, I simply ask that you share this with your family and friends. That alone would be a tremendous blessing.

Once we are in Colombia, I will personally purchase and deliver as many disaster-relief supplies as we can directly to those who desperately need them.

I will never take for granted how blessed I am or how grateful I am for the way my community here in the United States has embraced me and has always supported me and my family. Now, I feel a responsibility to step up and do whatever I can for the people of Colombia.

May God bless Colombia, and may God bless each of you for your prayers, generosity, and support.

Together, we can make a real difference for those who have lost so much.