Help Montauk Give Back to Jamaica

When Hurricane Melissa bore down on Jamaica, it didn’t just hit an island—it shattered homes, uprooted lives, and left entire communities in ruins. In the south-west parish of St. Elizabeth, the storm surge alone rose as high as 16 ft. Roofs sheared off, buildings collapsed, and the town of Black River was described as “flattened” by those who witnessed it.

Our Jamaican friends and co-workers—many of whom travel hundreds of miles each season to support our Montauk economy—return to this devastation. They’re not just our valued team members here; they are neighbors, family, and the heartbeat of our community.

We’re launching this campaign so that you, our visitors, local patrons, and business-owners, can stand with us in solidarity. 100% of every dollar will go into food supplies and barrels shipped directly to Jamaica — distributed by the very workers who serve our town. You won’t see it packaged by some far-off agency; you’ll see it in the hands of the same folks who’ve poured their energy into Montauk.

We promise full transparency: every receipt. Every shipping invoice. Every pound of food.

Let’s show that when Montauk benefits, it lifts beyond our shores. When we all give—real people get help.

Our Goal

The Montauk Chamber of Commerce is organizing a fundraiser to purchase food supplies, which we will ship directly to Jamaica in barrels that go straight into the hands of the same workers’ communities back home. These barrels will be distributed directly by the Montauk Jamaican workers themselves — ensuring help goes exactly where it’s needed most.

100% Transparency

Every dollar raised will go directly toward food purchases and shipping costs — nothing else.
At the end of the campaign, we’ll post all receipts and shipping documentation publicly, so donors can see exactly how their generosity made a difference.

Why This Matters

Montauk’s businesses thrive thanks to the tireless efforts of our Jamaican workforce. They come here every year to support their families and help us keep our town running. This is a chance for all of us — residents, visitors, and business owners — to say thank you and to make sure that gratitude reaches their families back home.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a great meal, a clean hotel room, a friendly smile, or a perfect beach day in Montauk — you’ve already benefited from their hard work. Now let’s return the favor.

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you can — every dollar counts

Share this campaign with your friends who love Montauk

Leave a message of thanks or encouragement for the workers who make Montauk special

Together, let’s show that Montauk cares — not just in words, but in action.

100% of donations go to food and shipping costs.

100% transparency.

100% gratitude.

The money will be deposited directly into the Montauk Chamber of Commerce bank account, and then used to purchase food supplies and pay for transportation of the materials to Jamaica.

— The Montauk Chamber of Commerce and Visit Montauk