One Knox SC player shares awareness for Venezuela earthquake relief

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Some in Knox County are supporting relief efforts for Venezuela following twin earthquakes last month that left thousands of people displaced and missing.

Among those getting involved is One Knox SC Midfielder Abel Caputo, who was born in Venezuela and still has family there.

Caputo said his first reaction after hearing about the earthquakes was concern for his family, followed quickly by the weight of the broader disaster.

“It was just making sure that they’re okay. You know, everybody that we know, our family, make sure that they’re fine. We know where they are, friends, people that we know. And then after that, it’s just kind of like, it was more the realization of the disaster, of exactly what happened. How many people had lost their homes, how many people were missing, how many people were already maybe declared dead. And also, the realization of what was to come after, you know, knowing the situation over there economically,” Caputo said.

Caputo said he is now focused on raising awareness by posting resources online, helping with donations, and creating public social media campaign posts alongside Carlos Lopez from Vamos Vols.

In a video posted to Instagram, Caputo shared a GoFundMe set up by the I Love Venezuela Foundation, a nonprofit that helps connect donations and resources with aid groups worldwide.

He said that even for those who cannot donate, sharing information is also making an impact.