While crews are in Jamaica and the Caribbean areas hit by the powerful hurricane, groups in South Florida are gathering supplies and donations.

World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is already in Jamaica working with local partners to start serving meals to those in need as soon as it’s safe. “WCK has already mobilized, pre-deploying teams to assist in recovery efforts,” said Samantha, a WCK team member in Jamaica. “We’re coordinating with local restaurant partners to ensure they can serve meals once the hurricane passes.”

In Florida, home to the largest concentration of Caribbean Americans in the United States, local organizations are shipping boxes of food, water and toiletries to Jamaica. The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is gathering supplies and mobilizing partners to deliver them.

“This is like extended family for us,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, referring to the large South Florida population of Jamaicans, Haitians, Cubans, Dominicans and others. The county is working to set up donation locations for 23,000 county employees who “always give generously.” They also donate leave time, which can turn into dollars that can be applied toward recovery efforts.

Michael Capponi of GEM, which has led disaster-relief assistance for storms like Dorian, Irma and Katrina over the years, says they’ve now learned to be ready in advance. “When Hurricane Ian was not even passing Cuba yet and headed to Florida, we had 20 trucks loaded here a day before it even hit the Fort Myers area,” he says.

What’s Needed

Right now, officials say they need donations of money or supplies – non-perishable foods, generators, tarps, tents, water, large garbage bags, first-aid kits, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, formula, flashlights, batteries, charger packs, solar-powered lights, sleeping bags and work gloves. No clothes or linens, please. You can also give your time as a volunteer.

Here’s a list of organizations accepting donations of money or goods throughout South Florida:

World Central Kitchen

Global Empowerment Mission

US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund

American Friends of Jamaica

Jamaica Diaspora Foundation

City of Lauderhill and Miramar

These cities are asking residents and businesses to donate essential supplies, such as blankets and tarps, non-perishable food and water, flashlights, personal care items, baby supplies and first-aid kits. 

Drop-off Locations

Lauderhill City Hall — 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
Veterans Park — 7600 NW 50th Street
John Mullins Park — 2000 NW 55th Avenue
Westwind Park — 4550 NW 82nd Avenue
Joy’s Roti Delight — 1205 NW 40th Avenue
St. George — 3501 NW 8th St, Lauderhill
Miramar Police Department at 1765 City Hall Promenade
Miramar Fire Station 19 at 6700 Miramar Parkway
Miramar Fire Station 70 at 9001 Miramar Parkway
Miramar Fire Station 107 at 11811 Miramar Parkway
Miramar Fire Station 84 at 14801 SW 27 St.
Miramar Fire Station 100 at 2800 SW 184 Ave.

Pembroke Gardens

Pembroke Gardens is partnering with the Florida Highway Patrol, Global Empowerment Mission and Mobile Mike Media Relations to support relief efforts. On Thur., Nov. 6, between 6am and 10pm, SPG (527 SW 145th Ter., Pembroke Pines) will serve as a designated drop-off location for essential donations to aid affected communities.

Broward County Parks

Broward County will be collecting tarps, generators, trash bags, canned food, nonperishable foods, flashlights, batteries, sleeping bags, work gloves, solar-powered lights, tents, industrial sponges, ​first-aid kits, hygiene kits, washcloths, deodorant, baby diapers. No used clothing or linen.

Drop-off Locations starting Wed., Oct, 29

Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium​
Office/Field House
3700 N.W. 11th Place
Lauderhill
Daily, 9am-5pm

Tradewinds Park & Stable
Park Office
3600 W. Sample Rd.
Coconut Creek
Daily, 9am-5pm

Visit Broward.org/Parks for more info.

City of Oakland Park

The city is collecting bottled water, canned food, deodorant, garbage bags, hygiene kits, nonperishable food, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels), soap and tarps. Drop-off locations:

Jaco Pastorius Community Center, 1098 NE 40 Ct.
North Andrews Gardens Community Center, 250 NE 56 Ct.
Fire Rescue Station 87, 2100 NW 39 St.

For more info, visit oaklandparkfl.gov

Juici Patties

This Jamaican restaurant chain is accepting disaster relief donations at their seven Broward locations:

• SUNRISE: 10041 Sunset Strip, Sunrise
• LAUDERDALE LAKES: 4209 North State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes
• LAUDERHILL: 5419 North University Drive, Lauderhill
• HOLLYWOOD: 5830 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
• CORAL SPRINGS: 8075 West Sample Road, Coral Springs
• DAVIE: 4860 FL-7 FL 33314
• 11735 City Hall Promenade

Dutch Pot Restaurants

This chain of Jamaican restaurants is collecting items on Sat., Nov. 1, from 11am-6pm. Bring generators, tarps, tents, water, large black garbage bags, first-aid kits, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, formula, non-perishable goods, flashlights, batteries, charger packs, solar-powered lights, sleeping bags and work gloves. No clothes or linens, please. Drop off at their location at 2484 N State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes, or any of their other locations: Dutch Pot Restaurants

Jerk Festival

The annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival at Miramar Regional Park is collecting canned goods. Bring them to the event Sun., Nov. 9 1-10pm. More info here.

Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox

This restaurant is partnering with the Jamaican Women of Florida to collect essential supplies to support families in Jamaica impacted by the storm. Most-needed items include diapers, pads, tampons, ready-made baby formula, hygiene kits (hair brush, toothbrush, toothpaste). Bring supplies to the restaurant at 1101 S Powerline Rd and donate to jwof.com.