PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hurricane Melissa is leaving death and destruction in its wake as the powerful storm rips across the Caribbean. Officials in Haiti said dozens of people are dead or missing. Emergency aid has begun to arrive in Jamaica, though downed trees have cut off many parts of the island. Philadelphia-based relief organizations are taking donations and volunteers.
Dr. Kimisha Simpson said it’s difficult watching from afar as loved ones suffer the destruction of Hurricane Melissa, one of Jamaica’s worst storms on record.
“Having family in an area that was extremely impacted — in the parish of Manchester — has been really hard, being in the states and not being able to help in the way that I want to,” she said.
Simpson, who founded the nonprofit Ignite Jamaica Fund, is among those leading a groundswell of support in Philadelphia. On weekday afternoons, Besco Shippers at 54th Street and Baltimore Avenue is collecting donations. On Sundays, donations are accepted at True United Church in Ogontz. Key items include tarps, generators, chainsaws, medical or hygiene kits, and batteries.
Simpson said these are just some of the immediate needs, but for an area that was already on its way back from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, recovery will be a long haul.
“It’s going to take months to have any normalcy back on the island and for its people,” she said.
Monetary donations can be made to supportjamaica.gov.jm, or at Kingsessing’s New Testament Church of God. Volunteers are encouraged to email chris@jamaicaconsulatephiladelphia.com.