WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Melissa has devastated communities across Jamaica and the Caribbean, leaving thousands in need of immediate assistance.
Relief organizations are mobilizing resources to provide critical aid, including food, water, medical supplies and shelter.
Here's where you can donate to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts:
National Organizations
American Red Cross officials said their chapters on the islands and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are fully operational, working together to respond across potentially affected countries.
Salvation Army personnel in the Jamaica East Division urged residents to take action to protect their families ahead of Hurricane Melissa.
Catholic Relief Services has a team of 100 staff in Haiti and local partners in Jamaica and the region. Emergency teams are securing offices and warehouses, preparing prepositioned shelter and clean water supplies, and helping people secure their businesses, homes and fields.
American Friends of Jamaica provides critical support to communities across Jamaica affected by natural disasters through its Disaster Relief Fund.
United Way says it’s closely monitoring the situation in Jamaica, coordinating with on-the-ground partners with the goal of supporting long-term recovery needs.
Direct Relief committed an initial $250,000 in financial support and offered its entire medical inventory to health providers in the Caribbean in response to Hurricane Melissa.
Project HOPE is mobilizing an emergency response team to deploy while monitoring needs across the region.
Send Relief is coordinating with regional partners to deliver emergency supplies and support long-term recovery as soon as conditions allow.
GlobalGiving is seeking to meet urgent needs for search-and-rescue assistance, medical care, food, clean water and temporary shelter.
Sandals Resorts activated a Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission, with 100% of every dollar donated going directly to the organization's emergency response efforts. The Sandals Foundation said they are working on-the-ground with officials across Jamaica to help those most in need. To donate, visit Sandals Foundation and select "Relief Mission."
Project Dynamo is a veteran-led nonprofit that is on the ground in Jamaica, with more rescue teams heading in to evacuate stranded Americans and deliver emergency supplies after Hurricane Melissa.
Local South Florida Organizations
Florida Panthers: On Nov. 1, fans are encouraged to donate needed supplies, including water, flashlights, lanterns, tarps, bug repellent, sanitary items and Starlink satellite internet terminals to the collection bins on the Publix Plaza before the Panthers vs. Dallas Stars game. All supplies will be sent to Jamaica to assist in relief efforts. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle on Nov. 1 will be dedicated to funding supplies for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Fans can purchase 50/50 tickets online or in person on Nov. 1 at Amerant Bank Arena. Panthers season ticket members will have a dedicated supply collection during Pantherfest on Sunday, Nov. 2, where supplies can be dropped off at Amerant Bank Arena. There will also be a drive-up supply collection at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, Nov. 3, from 3-8 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 3-8 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena, which is open to anyone to drop off supplies. The Panthers said supplies collected will be donated to the local nonprofit Experience Aviation and flown to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Free Spirit Outreach is setting up a mission trip to leave Friday to provide Hurricane Melissa relief.
Golden Krust Restaurant is partnering with Free Spirit Outreach, collecting canned goods, blankets, non-perishables and monetary donations for hurricane victims. They are collecting items at 958 S Military Trail in West Palm Beach at any time.
Riviera Beach has established Hurricane Melissa information resources for residents.
We will continue to add to this list as we learn of more efforts in the coming days.
