My name is Lackeeria Lewis, and I was born and raised in the small, close-knit community of Deeside, Trelawny, Jamaica — a place filled with love, laughter, and strength. Today, my heart is heavy as I write this, because the same community that helped shape me is now facing unimaginable devastation after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica.

️ The Impact of Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as one of the most powerful storms in the island’s history — a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching up to 185 mph. It brought torrential rain, flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction, particularly across the northern and western parishes, including Trelawny.

Entire roads have been washed out, homes lost their roofs, crops have been destroyed, and families are now struggling to find food, clothing, and shelter. Power and communication lines remain unstable, leaving many communities isolated and desperate for help.

In Deeside, the destruction is personal. These are not just statistics — these are my people: neighbors who once cooked together, families who raised each other’s children, elders who told stories under the trees.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I may live away from Deeside now, but my heart never left. I can’t stand by while my hometown suffers. That’s why I’m creating this fundraiser to bring real relief directly to the people who need it most.

My goal is to raise $6,000 USD to purchase and ship up to 10 barrels filled with:

• Non-perishable food items (rice, flour, canned goods, oil, sugar, etc.)

• Essential household supplies (cleaning products, bedding, toiletries, kitchen items)

• Basic necessities for children, elders, and families in need

Once filled, these barrels will be shipped directly to Jamaica, where my family and trusted religious contacts in Deeside will personally distribute them throughout the community to ensure they reach those most affected.

️ How the Funds Will Be Used

Every dollar donated will go toward:

• Purchasing supplies for 10 barrels of relief goods

• Covering shipping and customs fees to deliver them safely to Jamaica

• Local transportation and community distribution in Deeside

I will be transparent about every step of this effort — sharing updates, photos, and receipts — so donors can see exactly how their generosity is being used.

❤️ Why Deeside Matters

Deeside is a humble but beautiful place — full of faith, hard work, and community spirit. It’s where I learned what love and resilience truly mean. Though small, it’s home to people with big hearts and unbreakable hope.

Today, those same people — mothers, fathers, children, and elders — are sleeping in damaged homes or staying with neighbors because everything they owned is gone. Together, we can help them start again.

How You Can Help

• Donate what you can — no amount is too small. Every $10, $20, or $50 adds up.

• Share this campaign with your family, friends, and social media — the more people we reach, the faster we can rebuild.

• Pray for Deeside and everyone in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa.

A Message from My Heart

I believe in the power of community — not just the one I was born into, but the one we all share as human beings. Deeside has always been a place of warmth and togetherness. With your help, I know it can rise again.

Thank you for standing with me, for caring, and for helping me give back to the place that gave me everything.

With love and gratitude,

— Lackeeria Lewis

Born and raised in Deeside, Trelawny