ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Melissa continues to impact the Caribbean, organizations across Central Florida are stepping up to collect donations for those affected.

What You Need To Know

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane around 1 p.m. ET, according to the National Hurricane Center

As the storm continues to impact the Caribbean, organizations across Central Florida are stepping up to collect donations for those affected

At Mark’s Jamaican Bar and Grill in Orlando, owner Mark Jathan decided to start collecting hurricane relief items to help people in Jamaica recover once the storm passes

The Jamaican Cultural Connection in Orlando is also preparing to send relief to the island

At Mark’s Jamaican Bar and Grill in Orlando, owner Mark Jathan said his thoughts are with family and friends back home as they face the hurricane’s destruction.

“I’m very, very concerned,” Jathan said. “I’m concerned about the kids going out to play when they see the water on the street (when) the power lines are down. We can’t afford to lose anybody in this hurricane right now, so I’m just hoping that they can hear us … listen to the emergency services in Jamaica and follow their direction.”

He decided to start collecting hurricane relief items to help people in Jamaica recover once the storm passes. He said support from customers and friends has been overwhelming, with donations of canned food and money already coming in.

“Whenever we have a natural disaster on the island, (our customers are) more than willing to help out,” Jathan. “As you see, they’ve been coming in, making their offers and contributing from nonperishable stuff. There’s a GoFundMe page … we’re getting contributions there also.”

Jathan said his goal is to get supplies to Jamaica as soon as it’s safe to travel.

“Some places they lost power — places flooded out — you know, they’re locked in,” Jathan said. “They have to just stay there and ride it out.”

While at his restaurant on Tuesday, Jathan was able to briefly connect with a friend in Kingston, Jamaica, who described the dangerous conditions on the island.

“We are hanging in, we are hanging in,” the friend said on the phone. “Heavy breeze, strong breeze, as you can see a lot of the limbs are tearing out, it did make landfall in Saint Elizabeth and unfortunately, there’s a lot of damage.”

“I am so happy that I was able to get through with you because I was so worried about you and your safety down there,” Jathan told her.

The Jamaican Cultural Connection in Orlando is also preparing to send relief to the island. Debbie J. Jarrett, the group’s public relations representative, said the situation has been difficult to watch from afar.

“Our hearts are heavy. We’re worried,” Jarrett said. “We can’t get there, the airports are closed. We’d love to get down there and start giving out things and helping but not yet. So it’s frustrating, yet I’m comforted when I remember how resilient we are as Jamaicans.”

Lurna Franklin, president of the organization, said their team is meeting to coordinate efforts once more information becomes available.

“We have plans in place ready to go after we receive the assessment from Jamaica as to what will be needed after the hurricane has passed,” Franklin said.

For Jathan, the relief effort is personal. Even as he continues to serve customers in Orlando, his focus remains on helping his loved ones recover from the storm.

“As soon as this storm goes by and we’re able to get on to the island, hopefully we can get this stuff in as quickly as possible for the people who need it the most,” Jathan said.

Donations for hurricane relief are being accepted daily at Mark’s Jamaican Bar and Grill, located at 10173 University Boulevard in Orlando, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.