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Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, leaving behind catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and island-wide power outages. The situation is urgent, and your help is needed now more than ever.
The storm, the strongest in Jamaica’s history, has displaced thousands and caused severe food and water shortages. Despite this, the Jamaican people are resilient and determined to rebuild. While travel to the island may be on hold, there are still meaningful ways to support their recovery efforts from afar.
Here are several trusted organizations accepting donations to help Jamaica rebuild:
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica’s lead government agency for disaster response, is collaborating with local and international partners to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to affected families.
If you’d like to donate a specific item, ODPEM has also released a preliminary needs list of required items. Donate here
World Central Kitchen Chef José Andrés’ nonprofit is already on the ground in Jamaica, serving hot meals, including local favorites like flaky patties, through its restaurant partners. Thousands of meals have already been provided; however, you can still make a donation here.
American Friends of Jamaica. Founded in Jamaica in 1982, this group has launched a $1 million matching fund for Hurricane Melissa relief, distributing food, water, hygiene kits, and supporting local shelters. You can donate here.
Through its new Project 40 initiative, United Way aims to raise $40 million to restore the livelihoods of Jamaica’s farming communities, known as the “breadbasket parishes,” which were among the hardest hit by the storm. Donate here.
The Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Sandals Resorts, which has several all-inclusive properties throughout the country, has launched a Relief Mission, promising that 100% of every donation will go directly to recovery efforts. Be sure to select “Relief Mission” from the pull-down menu when making your donation here.
From emergency aid to long-term rebuilding, every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a significant difference. Your support is crucial to Jamaica’s recovery. With your help, the island’s strength and spirit will endure, and it will rise again.
“Think globally, act locally.”
It is crucial to be forward-thinking but not a forward person. “Be kind to everyone you meet because each carries his heavy burden…” Plato.
Embrace the three Constants: change, justice, and rightness.
The thought police are busy at work trying to suppress free speech. If allowed their march to madness, they will arrest your very thoughts.
Free Speech is thy Lord.’
