Las Vegas Restaurant Becomes Donation Hub for Venezuela Relief

Rika Arepa Express, a Venezuelan restaurant in Las Vegas, has been converted into a community donation center to support families affected by the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela. The relief drive has already gathered hundreds of boxes of essential supplies, with volunteers continuing to collect and organize donations through July 5.

Restaurant shifts focus to humanitarian relief

Instead of operating solely as a dining venue, Rika Arepa Express has temporarily dedicated much of its space to relief efforts. Tables inside the restaurant have been replaced with stacks of donated items, including diapers, food, clothing and medical supplies, as community members continue to deliver essential goods.

The restaurant has become a central collection point for local residents looking to assist those impacted by the earthquakes. According to FOX5, volunteers have worked continuously over several days to receive, organize and pack donations for shipment. 

Community volunteers expand the donation effort

The initiative has drawn support from volunteers, local organizations and residents across the Las Vegas area. Robert Gonzalez of Radio Latina Las Vegas said the campaign quickly gained momentum as more people learned about the collection effort. Volunteers not only delivered supplies but also stayed behind to help sort, organize and prepare donations.

Restaurant owner Migdalia Davila said the response has extended beyond the Venezuelan community, with members of the wider Latino community and many Americans also contributing to the drive. The ongoing support has enabled organizers to collect hundreds of boxes of relief materials.

Supplies to be shipped to Venezuela

Organizers said all donations collected at Rika Arepa Express will first be transported to Miami before being shipped to communities in Venezuela affected by the earthquakes. Volunteers have spent the weekend loading truck beds, packing boxes and sorting supplies to prepare them for international transportation.

Volunteer Carlos Chavarria said he has repeatedly used his trailer to move donations, while other volunteers have continued packing supplies as additional contributions arrive throughout the day. Donation campaign continues through July 5

The donation drive will remain active through July 5. Organizers are requesting additional essential supplies as well as volunteers to help pack and organize donations before they are shipped overseas.

According to organizers, the focus remains on providing practical assistance for families affected by the disaster. The restaurant's temporary transformation into a donation center highlights how foodservice businesses can serve as community gathering points during humanitarian emergencies. 

Sources : Hospitality Career Profile