Hi, we are the Warburton Family (Chris, Annie, Maya & Zara) trying to raise money to send barrels of supplies and necessities to our community of Seaford Town, Westmoreland, Jamaica. This is Chris’ home, where our family and friends live, and where Chris and I actually met while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer working in the local and neighboring primary schools and health clinics years ago. It will always be our home and a place we cherish because of the people and the community.

Hurricane Melissa recently just hit Jamaica as a category 5 and left western Jamaica completely destroyed. Our community of Seaford Town was hit terribly hard, leaving many homeless and without basics such as clothing, shoes, food, water, toiletries, and other very necessary basics. Many are living in their car if they are even fortunate to have one, or with a kind neighbor whose house is not as destroyed or at least still standing, many left only with the clothes they had on, no power, no phone connection, and very little food. Local stores near or outside the community have lost everything and food is becoming a problem. Also, their location and the damage in the area have cut them off from being accessible and they are not able to get the attention or access they so very much need right now. We cannot just hope and pray; we felt we must do all that we can to help and look out for our brothers and sisters in need.

We are trying desperately to raise funds to be able to send barrels of necessities and supplies to those who most need in our community. It is a very small and close-knit community that we love and we want so very much to try and help in any way we can to ease this catastrophe.

With these funds we will be purchasing needed items like:

We will then use some funds to ship them to Jamaica and cover import fees and duties. We will personally be transporting them to the freight carrier and sending them to our community directly.

If you feel compelled to help monetarily or through donations of goods, we would be so grateful. No amount is too little… as Jamaicans say, “every mickle mek a muckle” (every little bit adds up). And if all you can do is share this with who you know, we are grateful as well to get more attention and assistance.

Thank you for your help. It is a harrowing time for many left in the aftermath of this catastrophe - young and old. We cannot do this without your help and we greatly appreciate your humanity and kindness in this time. It will help so many who find themselves in despair of losing everything and help to bring hope and a renewed spirit of humanity and heart. Jamaica is a gift to the world through its people, culture, music, food, beauty, kindness, and laughter. Now they are so much in need of some of that kindness in return.

From all of us, thank you wholeheartedly. This has been unimaginable and very heavy to witness and see so much devastation and suffering. God bless.