Hi everyone, my name is Shara Thomas. I grew up in the United States, but I was raised by Jamaican parents so Jamaican just the same. Even as a kid in NYC, Jamaica wasn’t something far away on a map it lived in my home, in our food, in our music, in the pride my family carried. Every summer trip, every phone call back home, every story my parents told reminded me that Jamaica wasn’t just where my family came from Jamaica is my family. The island raised me in ways my neighborhood here never could.

That’s why this moment hurts so deeply.

Hurricane Melissa didn’t just hit a place I visit it devastated the place that shaped me. Entire communities that once overflowed with warmth, noise, and life are now unrecognizable. Homes have been swept away, streets transformed into rivers, and neighborhoods that once held generations of love are now trying to survive with no electricity, no water, no shelter, and barely any food. Nearly three weeks later, people are still living through conditions no one should ever endure.

My own family has suffered tremendous loss. I have a big family—too many to name—but one of my uncles, along with his wife and children, lost everything. The storm surge destroyed their home and every single belonging they had. And heartbreakingly, their story is not unique. So many families people I grew up loving, people who shaped my Jamaican culture from afar are facing the same unimaginable devastation.

I may live in NYC, but Jamaica has always been the heartbeat beneath my feet. And in moments like these, family takes care of family.

Through this fund, I’m committed to helping not only my relatives, but every person we can reach. The money raised will go directly toward the essentials people desperately need right now: generators, clean water, food, solar chargers, temporary shelters like waterproof tents, diapers, sanitary napkins, air mattresses, and medical supplies. Every dollar means another box, barrel, or crate I can send. I promise that every cent will be used to bring real, tangible relief. There is so much suffering, not just in Jamaica, but in the world. Many kind-hearted people are looking at this and are trying to figure out how they can help. I, too feel this way, and so this is my way to help ease that suffering, if only just a little bit. I am sending this out to help others who feel that way to have the ability to do something as well.

I will also be traveling to Jamaica personally to help distribute these supplies and support the community for a few weeks. I want to make sure every item reaches the hands of those who need it most.

Jamaica has always taught me that no matter where we are in the world, we take care of one another. So I’m asking you friends, neighbors, strangers with big hearts to help me bring aid, hope, and love to the island that raised me.

As we say in Jamaica, “One love.”❤️

Please share with everyone you know.