My name is Johan. While I am a proud American, I grew up in Jamaica and my wife, our family and a lot of friends are from Jamaica and still live in Jamaica. Jamaica will always be very special to us.

Following the impact from Hurricane Melissa, the category 5 hurricane that ravaged the island on October 28th, many parishes have been severely damaged. The western side of the country specifically, to include Westmoreland, St. James, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny and others have been devastated by the storm and subsequent floods. There is significant structural damage. Roads have been washed away, homes have been crushed and roofs destroyed, electricity and internet are down, schools, churches and supermarkets have been destroyed. The devastation in the aftermath has left many families in dire need of assistance and communities are struggling.

We are seeking your kind donations towards food (nonperishable), tents, generators, clothing, sanitary napkins, sheets, tarps, water, batteries, cots, self-inflatable sleeping pads, mattresses and many other emergency supplies. We have organized for 45-foot containers to be shipped to Jamaica once they are filled. You may send items to Melissa Hurricane Relief c/o Johan Garel to Caricom Freight Consolidators, Inc. 14735 NW 25th Ct, Opa-locka, FL 33054. 100% of your donations will go towards securing these items for the people of Jamaica. Jamaica is hurting and needs your help urgently to prevent starvation and stave off a medical epidemic. Your kind donations will start the process of restoration and bring some semblance of peace to the hearts and minds of the Jamaican people. Thank you.