TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Several local organizations are gathering supplies to send to Jamaica as people there recover from a devastating blow from Hurricane Melissa.
“We call ourselves one family, so with this kind of catastrophe it really gets emotional,” said Evie Larmond-Louden, a volunteer and leader for Tampa CARES.
More than 300 American evacuees arriving in Tampa from Jamaica
The group is a coalition of several local Caribbean aid groups who have banded together to help out whenever or wherever they’re needed.
They’re gathering canned food, hygiene products and other emergency supplies to send over.
“It is serious, because right now, the devastation, it’s going to take years to recover,” Larmond-Louden said.
They have a large list of items they’re hoping people will donate listed online.
Volunteers said they hope it’s enough to help people get back on their feet, but with the level of devastation, other groups have also stepped up.
“Helping people when they feel helpless is a big deal,” said Crystal Casey, operating director for Grey Bull Rescue.
Grey Bull Rescue and One Mission have teamed together to further their efforts. They’re using some of the supplies they had saved for Florida hurricanes to help out. They’re asking for donations to fill in the gaps.
“We’re fortunate enough to have had a real small hurricane, light hurricane season here in Florida, so it’s up to us to go help others, as many of them helped us over the years,” said CJ McCormick, logistics director for One Mission Disaster Response.
Tampa CARES is asking for people to drop off donations at the Jerk Hut at 1241 E. Fowler Rd.
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