Minnesota businesses rally to collect donations for Hurricane Melissa relief

As Hurricane Melissa’s destruction continues to unfold across Jamaica and the Caribbean, Minnesota’s Caribbean community and local businesses are stepping up to help.

Merina Neal with the Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund Minnesota and the Jamaica Minnesota Organization says collection barrels are being placed at several Twin Cities locations to gather essential supplies for those affected by the storm.

Supplies include batteries, hygiene products, nonperishable foods, wipes and more. 

Fullscreen SlideshowPrevious Slide

1 of 2

2 of 2

Next Slide

Donation drop-off sites include Carifest, Guy-Am Grocery, Galaxy Foods International, Nanny’s Jamaican Kitchen, MontegoBlu, Pimento Kitchen locations in St. Paul and Minneapolis, and Tropical Bowl locations in St. Paul and Richfield.

Okkoy Graham, who owns Nanny’s Jamaican Kitchen in St. Paul, says he’s especially worried for his relatives in Montego Bay and Hanover Parish, both heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Graham said the community's support and donations so far have been a source of comfort, but his primary concern remains the safety and well-being of his family. He’s been unable to reach them because of ongoing connectivity issues.

“I have not heard anything from any family members of mine. I've tried to call numerous people who I am familiar with in the community, and I've not gotten a response,” Graham said. 

Neal says the Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund, Jamaica Minnesota Organization, Carifest, and Pimento Relief Services are coordinating with the Jamaican government and the consulate to ensure supplies reach affected communities as quickly as possible. She says the Jamaican government is also accepting cash donations.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, bringing destructive winds and widespread flooding.

For updates on Minnesota-based relief efforts and how to donate, visit the Jamaica Minnesota Organization’s Facebook page.

• Greater Minnesota collaborative works toward creating climate resilience plan
• New Richland flood damage assessment begins this week before seeking Trump administration aid
• Tempers flare in New Richland as residents air frustrations over repeated flooding
• New Richland turns to flooding clean up, recovery, and long-term solutions for drainage ditch