A community group said it is “continuing efforts” to support friends and family affected by Hurricane Melissa after it devastated parts of Jamaica in October.
Glenroy Bell of the Wellingborough African Caribbean Association (WACA) in Northamptonshire said members of the organization would collect essential items until December 15 to send to the country.
She hoped more donations would be made, including gifts for children, at the Caribbean Christmas Market, which is being held at the group’s center on Rock Street in Wellingborough on Saturday.
Mr Bell said he wanted the event to raise awareness of the impact of the storm and show people that help is still needed.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 as a category five hurricane, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Caribbean, killing at least 28 people on the island and devastating some coastal communities.
Mr Bell said he had an aunt and uncle in Wakefield, Jamaica, who were fortunately “safe”.
“It is very sad, areas were flooded and there was a lot of damage,” he said.
He said he had coordinated with other churches and organizations in Wellingborough and Northampton to gather aid.
“We’re trying to raise and donate as much money as we can. We’ve had such a good response, it’s been really nice.”
“We have already collected two large cars full of items, including hygiene kits, tool kits, feminine hygiene items, solar lights and torches, wipes and non-perishable food.
“We are trying to support the existing efforts that have already been made, it will take a lot of time, we will continue the efforts,” he said.
Bishop Donovan Allen, a senior pastor at the New Testament Church of God in Northampton, said 80 boxes of items had already been “packed” into a van to be sent to a church group in Jamaica.
“We are overwhelmed,” he said.
Donations, such as canned goods, wipes, tissues and first aid items, had already been sent and they hoped to resume collection in January.
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