Broward County launches relief drive to aid Caribbean victims of Hurricane Melissa
Broward County, Florida – Officials in Broward County are asking the community to come together to help Caribbean citizens who were affected by Hurricane Melissa. As the storm approaches the islands, county leaders have started a regionwide relief operation to gather important supplies that will be provided to victims after the disaster.
The goal of the project is to make sure that important supplies are ready to be shipped as soon as the weather permits. People who live in the area and companies are asked to donate things like tarps, bottled water, flashlights, sleeping bags, batteries, garbage bags, tents, work gloves, nonperishable food, solar-powered lighting, personal care items, diapers, and first aid kits. Officials made it clear that they will not accept worn clothes and linens.
“Victims of Hurricane Melissa throughout the Caribbean need and deserve our support,” said Broward County Mayor Beam Furr. “I encourage every Broward County resident to consider donating items they will need for the foreseeable future.”
Residents can easily make donations at a number of drop-off stations that have been set up. You can bring things to any of these Broward County Library branches: the South Regional Library in Pembroke Pines, the Miramar Branch Library and Education Center, the West Regional Library in Plantation, or the Southwest Regional Library in Pembroke Pines. Two county parks, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill and Tradewinds Park & Stables in Coconut Creek, are also accepting donations every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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District 7 Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis emphasized the urgency of the effort.
“The devastation that Hurricane Melissa caused in the Caribbean is heartbreaking and it is our duty to help families in desperate need of support, said Davis. “That is why I have urged my County leadership to initiate a collection drive of supplies for our neighbors and families most impacted by the deadly hurricane.”
“As a daughter of Jamaica, the devastation expected to be caused by Hurricane Melissa is deeply personal,” said Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers. “Yet in the face of destruction and devastation, I am reminded of the extraordinary resilience of the Jamaican people and the unwavering strength of our diaspora.”
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Officials said that Hurricane Melissa’s effects will last long after the winds go down, and many communities will have to deal with the damage for months or perhaps years. Broward County’s request for help shows how long the area has been connected to the Caribbean and how committed it is to helping people in need.
People and businesses who want to help are asked to drop off supplies at one of the specified locations. You can find more information at Broward.org.
