TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 As Jamaica struggles to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, people in Tampa Bay are stepping up to help families on the island rebuild their lives.<\/p>\n
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history. Government officials report at least 19 deaths and widespread destruction across the island, including downed power lines, damaged infrastructure and flattened homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hurts to see people\u2019s lives in such disarray,\u201d said Leonard Jackson, a Tampa resident who donated to the relief effort. \u201cOne storm can uproot a whole family \u2014 a whole community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response, local fraternities and community organizations organized a food and supply drive Saturday at the Christian Praise and Worship Center in Tampa.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
WFTS<\/p>\n
Members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, along with volunteers from the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., collected donations of canned goods, water, toiletries and clothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we want to do is feed all the people that\u2019s in need over on that island right now,\u201d said Pastor James Gallon of Christian Praise and Worship Center. \u201cIf you can \u2014 one can, two cans, three cans \u2014 everything will be used for the benefit and blessing of others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay 28 anchor Andrew Kinsey also joined volunteers during the event, helping to sort and load donations that will be shipped to Jamaica in the coming days.<\/p>\n
Jackson said the outpouring of support reminds him of how others helped Florida after its own storms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we had Hurricane Milton here, people came from everywhere to help,\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t get to Jamaica right now, so anything I can do \u2014 food, water \u2014 [I\u2019ll do it].\u201d<\/p>\n
Donations are still being accepted at the Christian Praise and Worship Center and at Jerk Hut on Fowler Avenue for those who want to contribute to Jamaica\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n
Share Your Story with Annette![](\"https:\/\/mediaassets.abcactionnews.com\/image\/ContactBanners\/AnnetteGutierrez.png\"\/)
Annette Gutierrez knows safety is important for every community. She\u2019s focused on finding solutions and getting results for both crime and our roads. She takes pride in sharing stories from Sarasota and Manatee counties, so send Annette tips on how she can help.<\/p>\n
Contact Annette Gutierrez<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/mediaassets.abcactionnews.com\/image\/VideoModule\/Trending_Video_TampaBay28.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
“I know how important it is.”<\/p>\n