A Van Nuys restaurant is collecting donations for earthquake victims in Colombia as the death toll climbed to 224 and more than 2,500 people were reported injured.<\/p>\n
Rescuers continued searching through rubble Tuesday after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday.<\/p>\n
At Macondo Kitchen in Van Nuys, the focus has turned to helping family members and communities affected by the disaster.<\/p>\n
Stephanie Blanco, whose family lives across the areas most impacted by the quake, said the devastation has been difficult to watch.<\/p>\n
"I've been trying not to cry because it's very sad," Blanco said. "It affects everybody."<\/p>\n
The destruction has left thousands of buildings damaged or destroyed, with injured residents filling streets in affected areas.<\/p>\n
Macondo Kitchen is now accepting donations for earthquake victims.<\/p>\n
"We're trying to get any supplies," Blanco said. "Diapers, dry milk, medical supplies, clothes, whatever you can."<\/p>\n
Andrew Blencheteau of Macondo Kitchen said the restaurant welcomes contributions of all kinds as relief efforts continue.<\/p>\n
"We'll receive anything you want to give to help the people in Colombia during this tough time," he said.<\/p>\n