Reps. Gabriel Sanchez, Mary Ann Santos, Saira Draper and Phil Olaleye Issue Statement on Venezuela Earthquake

ATLANTA - State Representatives Gabriel Sanchez (D-Smyrna), Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough), Saira Draper (D-Atlanta) and Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta), Hispanic members of the House, issue the following statement on the recent earthquake in Venezuela:

"We stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela in the wake of the devastating earthquake. Our hearts are with every family affected-those who have lost loved ones, homes and a sense of safety in a single moment.

"Here in Georgia, we are home to a growing Venezuelan community, along with families from across Latin America, who feel this loss deeply. To every Venezuelan in our state worried about loved ones back home: you are not alone. We see you; we grieve with you, and we stand with you.

"We urge anyone able to help to support trusted relief organizations responding on the ground, and we call on our partners at every level of government to assist with recovery efforts and to support the families here in Georgia who are anxiously awaiting word from home. In moments like these, our community's strength is its compassion. We will continue to stand together.

"Right here in Georgia, our community has already mobilized. Support the metro Atlanta-led relief effort organized by the Principito Foundation, which is collecting donations and coordinating shipments directly to Venezuela.

"For verified national organizations with teams on the ground: UNICEF, the International Rescue Committee and Catholic Relief Services.

"Give money rather than goods when you can-it moves faster and does more. And, give to organizations you can verify; avoid unvetted crowdfunding links."

These representatives provide the following Spanish translation of their statement:

"Representantes hispanos de la cámara estatal de Georgia se solidarizan con el pueblo de Venezuela tras el devastador terremoto. Nuestros corazones están con cada familia afectada - quienes han perdido a sus seres queridos, sus hogares y su sentido de seguridad en un solo instante.

"Aquí en Georgia somos hogar de una creciente comunidad venezolana, junto a familias de toda América Latina que sienten profundamente esta pérdida. A cada venezolano en nuestro estado preocupado por sus seres queridos: no están solos. Los acompañamos en su dolor y estamos con ustedes.

"En estos tiempos difíciles es importante apoyar a organizaciones de ayuda confiables que están respondiendo en el terreno, y pedimos a nuestros socios en todos los niveles de gobierno que apoyen los esfuerzos de recuperación y a las familias aquí en Georgia que esperan con angustia noticias de sus hogares. En momentos como este, la fortaleza de nuestra comunidad es su compasión. Seguiremos unidos.

"Aquí mismo en Georgia, nuestra comunidad ya se ha movilizado. Apoye el esfuerzo de ayuda liderado en el área metropolitana de Atlanta por la Fundación Principito, que está recogiendo donaciones y coordinando envíos directamente a Venezuela.

"Para organizaciones nacionales verificadas con equipos en el terreno: UNICEF, el Comité Internacional de Rescate y Catholic Relief Services.

"Done dinero en lugar de bienes cuando sea posible - llega más rápido y rinde más. Y done a organizaciones que pueda verificar; evite enlaces de recaudación no verificados."

Representative Gabriel Sanchez represents the citizens of District 42, which includes a portion of Cobb County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Governmental Affairs and Interstate Cooperation committees.

Representative Mary Ann Santos represents the citizens of District 117, which includes a portion of Henry County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Judiciary, Juvenile and State Properties committees.

Representative Saira Draper represents the citizens of District 90, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the House Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Judiciary Juvenile, Regulated Industries and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Phil Olaleye represents the citizens of District 59, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Education, Governmental Affairs and Information and Audits committees.

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