Hurricane Melissa devastated Negril and left nothing untouched. The Witter family has experienced roof damage, waterlogged rooms, and lost essentials. We’re raising funds to send relief barrels packed with food, hygiene items, school supplies, tools, and lighting directly to their doorstep. Your support will cover supplies, barrels, shipping, customs, and local delivery so help reaches them quickly and safely.

Full story:

When Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica, Negril faced fierce winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The Witter family—spanning three generations—was hit hard. Roof damage allowed rain to pour in, furniture and bedding were ruined, and basic essentials like food, clean water, and school supplies were lost.

The family we’re supporting includes: Mesha's siblings, nieces & nephews and surrounding community.

Our plan:

We will send sealed, sturdy barrels of necessities directly to the Witter family in Negril. Barrels are a trusted, cost-effective way to ship bulk relief to Jamaica. Each barrel will be carefully packed to meet the family’s immediate needs.

What will go in the barrels:

- Food staples:

- Clean water items: i.e.: filters, purification tablets, reusable containers

- Hygiene Essentials

- Shelter and repair

- Lighting and power

- First aid

- Clothing and bedding

- School items

How funds will be used (estimated allocation):

- 45%: Supplies for the barrels

- 10%: Barrels and packing materials

- 25%: Shipping, customs, and clearance fees

- 10%: Local transport from port to Negril and final delivery to the Witter family

- 10%: Contingency for price changes or urgent needs on arrival

Logistics and transparency:

- We will purchase, pack, and seal the three barrels within by next week.

- We will share photos of packed barrels, itemized contents, and tracking details.

- A trusted local contact in Negril will assist with clearing the barrels and delivering them directly to the family.

- Shipping and clearance typically takes 2–4 weeks; we’ll post updates at each step.

- Any remaining funds after delivery will go toward more barrels to assist others in need with full transparency.

Why your help matters:

Your donation turns into meals on the table, clean drinking water, light at night, tools to secure the home, and the school supplies kids need to keep learning. It also shows the Witter family that their community—near and far—stands with them in this difficult time.

How you can help:

- Donate any amount—every contribution brings us closer to shipping the next barrel.

- Share this campaign widely with friends, coworkers, faith groups, and community organizations.

- If you can provide bulk items or discounted shipping, please contact us.

Organizer information:

- Organizer: Shannon Bruce

- From: St. Paul, Minnesota

- Relationship to family: Sister-in-law to Mesha Witter

Goal:

Our initial goal is to raise $3,000 to fund and ship at least three 77-gallon relief barrels as quickly as possible, then expand if we can meet additional needs for repairs and school costs.

Thank you:

Negril is known for its beauty and resilience. With your help, the Witter family can stabilize, rebuild, and find hope after Hurricane Melissa. Thank you for giving, sharing, and keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.