My name is Sharik Atkinson. I am a Jamaican-born, American-raised person residing in Brooklyn, NY.

My sweet Jamaica was just hit by a historic hurricane; Hurricane Melissa. My ancestors blessed the lands of western Jamaica. Areas like Westmoreland, New Market, & Black River are places I consider home. I was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

My family migrated to New York in 2001. Summers & winters in Jamaica have always been something I look forward to. As migration goes, we left most of our family in our home town.

I'm planning to raise $25,000 to ship supplies to Jamaica. Medical Supplies, peanut butter, protein bars, crackers, ready-to-eat meals, Flashlights,

Solar Mini Generator, Batteries, Baby Wipes, Baby Diapers, & cases of bottled water are all supplies we are planning on sending via 15 large barrels.

In addition to sending over $20,000 worth of supplies, we are assembling a group of 20 volunteers to rebuild in Jamaica. We plan to partner with a church, school or organization to focus on rebuilding one building in St. Elizabeth. We plan to stay for 5 days in mid-November or late-November. We are aware that 20 people won't make a massive difference, but in Jamaica we say "every mikkle mek a mukkle," meaning every little thing can make a big thing.

To see the full budget breakdown of how the funds will be used, look here . The funds will be dispersed to Global SPED Reach, a 501(c)3 led by Dr. Linton Atkinson, my father. We are co-leading this initiative.

As of October 29, we have no contact with our family in St. Elizabeth & Montego Bay.