Help Mr. Wayne Rebuild After Hurricane Melissa

Anyone who’s part of the P.S. 33/P226M family knows and loves Wayne Gooden — “Mr. Wayne” — our incredible school custodian who brightens every hallway he walks through. With his warm smile, kind words, great stories, and even better recipes, Mr. Wayne is more than just a member of our staff — he’s the heart of our community.

Now, it’s our turn to be there for him.

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm — the strongest ever recorded on the island. The devastation was immense: 19 lives lost, widespread flooding, massive power outages, and entire communities destroyed. Among those impacted were Mr. Wayne and his wife, Danette, who lost the farm they’ve spent years building in St. James.

Their farm wasn’t just land — it was their dream and a vital source of income. They grew crops for local hotels and resorts in Montego Bay and raised livestock including goats, chickens, and cows. With the hurricane’s destruction, that dream has been completely wiped away, forcing the Goodens to start over and rethink their plans for the future.

This loss comes after an already challenging year for Mr. Wayne, who has been facing health issues. Before they can even begin rebuilding, the Gooden family needs our support to get back on their feet.

Let’s come together as a community to give back to someone who has given so much to us.

Any donation — big or small — will go directly to Wayne will make a difference in helping the Goodens recover and rebuild. Please contribute what you can and share this fundraiser widely. Let’s show Mr. Wayne just how much he means to all of us at P.S. 33/P226 and beyond. ❤️