Bringing supplies to donate to locals

[Drifter141]

Hi everyone!

My apologies if there is already a thread about this subject (and if so, definitely feel free to direct me to it!), but my wife and I are heading back to Negril next week. We're hoping to bring some supplies to help w/ post-Hurricane Melissa recovery (ex: diapers). I have two questions:

1. What items are most needed for us to bring?
2. Is there a place in Negril to drop said items off?

Thanks so much for your help everyone!

ChrisR

[NRV]

Check with Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church across from CoCo. They were accepting donations and distributing them to people in need in hard hit areas.
Suggestions: Diapers & wipes, toiletries, personal hygiene products, bug spray, baby clothes, solar lights/lanterns, flashlights w/batteries, phone chargers, tarps, cordless fans, nails, screws, duct tape, work gloves, collapsible water jugs & water purification tablets, non perishable foods (rice, beans, sardines, tuna, mackerel), Gatorade packets. Cash is always king!
So many are still without electricity and water. Many hotel staff, restaurant workers, & vendors live in Sheffield, Alma, Grange Hill, Burnt Savannah, Sav, Darliston, Mayfield Falls, Little London, Lucea, Green Island, Hopewell areas outside of Negril. I spoke with different people from these areas, most didn’t have electricity or water, and many lost their roofs, and more unfortunately lost homes & everything. The stories of Melissa were terrifying & heartbreaking, but all would say I’m blessed, I have life!
Whatever you bring will be greatly appreciated! Have a wonderful trip!

[gregandkelly63]

Bring cash. Tip heavily and spend freely.

[VVHT]

Drifter,

Are you bringing checked luggage or just carryon?
Certain items can only go in checked luggage.

As G&K mentioned, cash is KING!
Any canned goods can be picked up at HiLo.

Do you know any of your hotel staff? Do you have contact info for them?
I would suggest you contact any locals you know and ask them if they need anything.
Stay in you budget!!

When I was at LTU 2 weeks after the storm, I gave items to the staff and they helped spread them out to family and friends in the community.
Every Jamaican was either impacted by the storm or knows family or friends who are in need.

I would suggest the following items that aren't too bulky or heavy:
Feminine Hygiene products
baby wipes
Bug Spray Mosquito coils
Power packs that can recharge phones (I buy them on Amazon and they are inexpensive and small).

Enjoy,

VVHT aka Happy

[ol'yardie]

I agree that cash is king. We've stayed at LTU for many years. Toward the end of Covid lock down we booked a trip, double-masked for the flight and brought as much cash as we could afford. There was no hurricane damage like now but the damage caused by having no guests and no income during the pandemic was similar. During our stay, as we talked with our friends at LTU, we quietly began to distribute cash. One of the ladies at the Gardens was reduced to tears. She was caring for her elderly mother at home and had no cash to fill her mom's prescriptions. You never really know how many unexpected ways cash can help answer someone's prayers.

[Ras Walleye]

[fargoman]

I brought some solar powered lights and solar phone chargers on my carry on. It was no problem. I think these are good items as they may be tougher to find in Jamaica.

[Drifter141]

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses -- we have two bags filled w/ diapers, wipes, composition books and pencils, ready to head w/ us to Negril this week.

ChrisR