Eighteen years ago, my sister Diane and I fell in love with a small school in Jamaica called Mt. Zion All Age School.

What started as a desire to serve the community where Diane has a home has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined. When we first visited, there were about 60 children. We started small, reading to students and bringing books and supplies.

Over time, our support grew alongside the school: a refrigerator for the kitchen, the chef's salary, a garden, a library. What began with two sisters soon expanded. Diane brought in her chapter of The Links, Incorporated in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. I brought in my chapter in Reston, Virginia.

Our partnership became a model recognized at the national level with an award for "two sisters, two chapters, in two countries." Today, more than 115 children call Mt. Zion their school, and we've watched students who arrived in first grade grow up, graduate, and go on to college.

Last month, Hurricane Melissa changed everything.

The storm tore the roof completely off the Literacy Centre. Classrooms are flooded. The children's restroom was completely destroyed. The needs at Mt. Zion and throughout the surrounding community are urgent and overwhelming.

Diane and I are raising funds for immediate needs: sanitation and hygiene supplies, shelter materials including sleeping bags and blankets, food supplies, tarps, plastic sheeting, repair supplies, flashlights, solar lamps, batteries, mosquito nets, and rebuilding the children's restroom. Every dollar goes directly to Mt. Zion's school administrators in St. James Parish, Jamaica, minus the GoFundMe transaction fee. No additional overhead.

Direct support from you to Mt. Zion.

For nearly two decades, we have walked alongside this community. Now is the time in which you can help us meet Mt. Zion in her moment of need with a donation of any size.

With gratitude,

Jo Ann Jenkins and Diane Duggin