The Carvalho Family Foundation’s United for Panama initiative, with Chema Caballero y Familia and the Consulate General of Panama in New York, is collecting funds and supplies for direct delivery to families affected by the October 9 earthquake.
United States, 15th Oct 2026 —The Carvalho Family Foundation, led by Hector Carvalho, today announced that it is expanding its humanitarian relief efforts following the devastating October 9, 2026 earthquake in Panama. Through its “United for Panama” initiative, the foundation is working alongside New York Yankees player José ‘Chema’ Caballero, Chema Caballero y Familia, and the Consulate General of Panama in New York.
Supplies and funds are delivered directly to affected families by the foundation’s own team on the ground in Panama, working with Chema Caballero y Familia. The campaign is collecting financial donations and essential supplies, including diapers, baby formula, baby food, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, hygiene products, and basic medical supplies. Donors can visit eight donation drop-off centers across New York (including Brooklyn and Long Island), New Jersey, and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), with more being added.
“The devastation in Panama has left families facing tremendous uncertainty, and we believe that helping them is a responsibility we all share,” said Hector Carvalho, Executive Director of the Carvalho Family Foundation.
The needs are urgent. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck on October 9 near Tonosí. This was followed by more than 400 aftershocks and a magnitude 6.1 quake on October 12. According to Panama’s civil protection agency, SINAPROC, 656 schools and more than 1,000 homes were damaged, and 598 people are in shelters.
Carvalho added, “We’re bringing together individuals, businesses, community leaders, and logistics partners who want to make a difference. Our immediate priority is getting essential supplies to families who need them. We’re asking companies with warehouses, trucks, shipping capabilities, or available space to join us, and we’re encouraging individuals to contribute whatever they can. Whether it’s a donation, opening a collection location, or helping transport supplies, every contribution can make a difference. Panama needs our support, and together we can turn compassion into action.”
To realize the goals of the United for Panama initiative, the foundation is actively seeking:
- Individual and corporate financial donors to help fund humanitarian relief.
- Businesses, community centers, schools, and organizations willing to serve as additional donation drop-off locations.
- Logistics, transportation, warehousing, freight, and shipping partners to help collect, store, consolidate, and transport donated supplies.
- Corporate sponsors and community organizations interested in contributing supplies, services, transportation capacity, or volunteer support.
Support is possible from anyone in the U.S. People can give on GoFundMe, buy from the foundation’s Amazon wish list, or drop off supplies at designated centers. Drop-offs are open through October 31. The foundation requests new, unopened items only.
Businesses that can offer drop-off space, trucks, warehousing, or shipping should contact Hector Carvalho at (516) 790-4407 or unitedforpanama.cff@gmail.com.
The foundation encourages individuals and organizations interested in contributing or partnering to visit: https://www.carvalhofamilyfoundation.com/panama
About the Carvalho Family Foundation
The Carvalho Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Mineola, N.Y. The foundation is coordinating an emergency relief response following the October 9, 2026 earthquake in Panama, which caused significant disruption and created urgent humanitarian needs for affected communities.
Media contact:
Hector Carvalho, Executive Director, Carvalho Family Foundation
(516) 790-4407
unitedforpanama.cff@gmail.com
Hector Carvalho is available for interviews in English and Spanish.
Photos and video for media use: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FoLIzRiEZe_SHNgvEzK5R-Ym9Rx9tAbu
Watch José ‘Chema’ Caballero’s message: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeaYfL8MzO_/
Media Contact
Organization: Carvalho Family Foundation
Contact Person: Hector Carvalho
Website: https://www.carvalhofamilyfoundation.com/panama
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +15167904407
Country: United States
Release id: 49917
View source version on King Newswire:
Yankees Jose Chema Caballero and Panamanians in the US Unite to Deliver Earthquake Aid to Panama
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