MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The United for Venezuela Emergency Relief Campaign, launched Monday by Venezuelan Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher William Contreras, outfielder Jackson Chourio, coach Nestor Corredor, Forward Latino, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, has received an extraordinary outpouring of support from communities across Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Due to the overwhelming generosity of donors and limited storage capacity, organizers will be suspending the acceptance of emergency relief supplies at 3 p.m., Friday, July 3, 2026. Community members who wish to continue supporting the relief effort are encouraged to make monetary donations.
“We have been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of our community,” said Darryl Morin, National President of Forward Latino. “People have driven from across Wisconsin and Illinois to donate emergency relief supplies. In just the first three hours of the campaign, more than two tons of lifesaving supplies were received. The compassion shown by our community has been truly inspiring.”
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church has served as the primary collection and storage site for the campaign.
“As in the Gospel, it seemed that we had only five loaves and two fish to respond to the needs of our 23 million brothers and sisters in Venezuela,” said Rev. Norberto Sandoval, Associate Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. “Yet once again, God has worked a miracle through the generosity of each and every one of you.” Rev. Sandoval continued, “In just three days, our two parishes received a response beyond anything we could have imagined. We are deeply grateful for every donation and every act of compassion. Your generosity will bring hope and relief to thousands of families affected by this tragedy.”
The campaign has received an ample supply of bottled water and many other requested items.
At this time, organizers ask that any future donations in the time that remains be limited to medical supplies and personal hygiene products, which remain in high demand.
Individuals wishing to support the humanitarian effort financially are encouraged to make a secure online donation to the Catholic Relief Services Venezuela Earthquake Fund. A direct donation link is available at www.forwardlatino.org.
About Forward Latino
Forward Latino is a national, non-profit, non-partisan service and advocacy organization dedicated to empowering communities, strengthening democracy, and advancing civil rights. The organization works to address hate crimes, reduce gun violence, support veterans and
working families, and develop the next generation of civic leaders. Through advocacy, education, and direct community engagement, Forward Latino helps Hispanic and other underserved communities meet the civic, economic, and social challenges of the 21st century.
For more information, visit www.forwardlatino.org.
