FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JAMCCAR Mobilizes Hurricane Melissa Relief; Calls for Community Support as Jamaica Mourns Lives Lost

Rockland County, NY — October 30, 2025 — The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) extends heartfelt greetings to our community and stands in solidarity with our beloved Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. We are deeply saddened to report that lives have been lost and many families have been displaced. As updates emerge, JAMCCAR is mobilizing to support urgent relief and long-term recovery.

JAMCCAR is working closely with the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, and local community partners to coordinate an effective, needs-driven response. We will also solicit the support of state and local officials to amplify relief efforts and align resources where they are most needed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Jamaica during this painful time, and we are committed to a coordinated response—listening to needs on the ground and ensuring that every contribution translates into real help for affected families.

How to Help

Those wishing to support the relief efforts may do so in several ways:

• Zelle: Send donations to Info.jamccar@gmail.com. Please include your email address and phone number in the memo line.
• PayPal/Credit Card: Donations may also be made securely through PayPal.
• Check: Make checks payable to JAMCCAR Inc. and write “MELISSA” in the memo line. Mail to:
  JAMCCAR Inc.
  P.O. Box 1727
  Spring Valley, NY 10977

All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Matching donations from employers are encouraged and appreciated.

To make giving easier, community members can scan the QR code provided on JAMCCAR’s official platforms to access all donation options.

Family Assistance

Individuals seeking to locate family members in Jamaica who have not yet responded may call the official Hurricane Melissa Hotline at 888-817-9050 for proof of life and family location support.

Priority Needs and Approved Donations

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has prepared a preliminary needs list, accessible via the following link: https://www.embassyofjamaica.org/ja_citizens/relief_images/needs_list.pdf

In addition, JAMCCAR encourages supporters to access the approved list of items on Amazon to order supplies that will be shipped directly to the Jamaican Consulate. The link to the Consul General of Jamaica to New York’s Amazon wish list can be found here: https://congenjamaica-ny.org.

In-Kind Donations and Drop-Off Locations

We are currently compiling a list of community drop-off locations across Rockland County and neighboring areas for those wishing to contribute in-kind donations such as nonperishable food, toiletries, and other essential supplies. While we appreciate these generous efforts, priority is being given to items listed on the official Needs List or financial contributions, which allow the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to direct resources toward Jamaica’s most urgent and evolving recovery needs. Further details on approved drop-off sites and collection partners will be shared in JAMCCAR’s next update. Community partners interested in serving as collection points may contact JAMCCAR for coordination.

Presidents and Media Contact

Co-Presidents:
Sonia Tracey — (845) 222-5973
Patricia Chandler — (917) 363-0807

Media Contact: Nicole Matthews, 4th Vice President, Public Relations, JAMCCAR
Email: nicolegladden@yahoo.com
Phone: (347) 628-1612

About JAMCCAR

The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering good relations among Jamaicans and friends in Rockland County and its environs. The organization promotes civic, cultural, economic, and social development while celebrating Jamaican, Caribbean, and Pan-African heritage through community engagement and service.