Dear Friends, Supporters, and Compassionate Hearts,

On behalf of Kay from Cumberland Farms and her family on Nantucket. We are reaching out today in urgent solidarity with the people of Black River St. Elizabeth Parish in Jamaica, who have been hit with catastrophic force by Hurricane Melissa — a storm of historic proportions. What once was a vibrant coastal and rural community has now been overwhelmed by floodwaters, storm surge, and winds so fierce that they have torn off roofs and shattered the very foundations of homes, institutions, and livelihoods.

Black River isn’t just a part of Jamaica where tourist visits, it is a historic town we call home. My family and I grew up in this small town and have created countless memories. It is with heavy hearts we share that our home along with our entire community and every memory we have in that town was destroyed in the devastation including our public safety facilities; hospital, police station, and fire station.

Families are now facing the immediate aftermath: loss of shelter, lack of power and clean water, damaged livelihoods, and urgent medical needs. The vital recovery work will take years, and local resources are overwhelmed.

Your donation will help provide:

Emergency supplies: shelter materials, clean water, food, first-aid.

Rebuilding relief: repairing homes, replacing roofs, restoring basic utilities.

Community support: assisting vulnerable families, elderly, children, and rebuilding community infrastructure like the hospital and local services.

Every contribution, however small, will make a real difference for the people of Black River in St. Elizabeth who are in urgent need of support to rebuild and recover after this devastating event. We appreciate your prayers, generosity and support during this difficult time.