Venezuelans across Houston area come together to gather donations after deadly earthquakes

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The President of Venezuela's National Assembly says the country has been rocked by more than 135 aftershocks that followed the 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that hit the nation on Wednesday evening.

The search and rescue operations are underway across the impacted area with more than 200 people reportedly trapped.

Officials say there are more than 180 people confirmed dead and more than 1,500 injured. Those numbers are expected to rise as thousands of people are reported missing across the country.

Rescue teams from the United States, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, and the United Nations are already heading to the country to support the search for survivors.

As teams land in Venezuela, hundreds of people in the United States are coming together to find ways to help all the victims and survivors of the devastating earthquakes.

Donation sites have been opened to collect items such as first aid kits, non-perishable food, hygiene items, blankets, and anything that can help with rescue missions.

Metabox Cargo is a Venezuelan-owned shipping company that is offering its services as a hub for accepting any and all donations.

At the Katy location at 19308 Morton Road, Metabox Cargo is also working with Los Andes Food Market to help collect donations, prep boxes, and have them ready for shipment.

Metabox Cargo also has two other sites open, including 25115 Gosling Rd, Ste 108 in Spring, and 25600 Westheimer Pkwy in Cinco Ranch.

"We need first aid items ... we're planning to collect those items until Monday. People have been very generous," Mercedes Perez with Metabox Cargo said. "The port is in La Guaira. And La Guaira is the city most devastated in this earthquake, so we're evaluating this situation...so we're evaluating the logistics."

Perez says they're also looking for shipping boxes to pack all the donations brought to their facilities.

ABC13 has learned of other businesses throughout the Houston area where you can help:

• Beer and Grill - 25810 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy, TX 77494

• Pa que maru - 4410 42nd St E, Dickinson, TX 77539

• Lieskawin Style - 2727 N Mason Rd, Suite 301, Katy, TX 77449

• Mi Querencia Latin Market - 25600 Westheimer Pkwy, Suite 290, Katy, TX 77494