Following Hurricane Melissa’s impact in Jamaica, groups in Tampa and South Florida have organized efforts to send aid to the island. Tampa CARES, a coalition of Caribbean aid organizations, has been collecting canned food, hygiene products, and other supplies for distribution to those affected.
Volunteer Evie Larmond-Louden of Tampa CARES told WFLA News, “We call ourselves one family, so with this kind of catastrophe it really gets emotional.” Other organizations, including Grey Bull Rescue and One Mission Disaster Response, are also contributing by redirecting resources normally used for Florida’s hurricane season to assist Jamaica. Crystal Casey of Grey Bull Rescue stated, “Helping people when they feel helpless is a big deal.”
Broward County, Florida, is also organizing relief efforts. Local leaders are encouraging the community to donate items such as batteries, baby diapers, and tents to support residents in Jamaica. Donation drives are taking place at multiple county locations, including libraries and parks, according to WSVN.
The aid effort includes a variety of essential items, with BabyCycle, a nonprofit, leading a drive to collect hygiene products. Torrie Jasuwan, the organization’s founder, said the focus is on items such as diapers, wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and cleanup supplies.
On an international level, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has delivered multiple cargo shipments to Jamaica and plans to continue support with additional planes and containers of supplies. Billy Richardson, GEM’s Director of US warehouse, confirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment. Catholic Charities of Miami has also established a dedicated relief fund to assist with reconstruction efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
