Several local elected officials held a relief drive at the Northeast Bronx YMCA, located at 1250 E. 229th St., on Saturday, Nov. 22, to benefit residents of the island of Jamaica who were impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which hit the nation on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The Hurricane Melissa relief drive featured donations of a wide variety of supplies, including those related to hygiene and health, shelter supplies, cleanup and recovery supplies, clothing and bedding.
Among the Bronx elected officials who put together and were present at the event were Council Member Kevin C. Riley, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Congressmen George Latimer and Ritchie Torres, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke.
Volunteers from the AIMHigh Empowerment Institute, Fordham University, Bronx Community College, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church, the NCNW and other organizations were also on hand at the event to provide assistance in receiving, moving and packing the donated items.
“With our partners — colleagues in government, the Consulate General of Jamaica NY, Northeast Bronx YMCA, and Irie Jam Radio — and an incredible team of volunteers, we came together to support Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa,” Council Member Riley said. “Huge thanks to all staff and volunteers from Fordham University, Butler Memorial UMC, Bronx Community College, NCNW (Co-op City and North Bronx), NAACP Co-op City, Bronx Alumni Chapter AKA, AimHigh Empowerment Institute, Jamaican American Law Enforcement Organization, DJ Madout and Air Drizzy Kicks. Our community showed up with heart — and together, we made a difference.”
Items donated at the relief drive included soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, sanitary pads, diapers for babies and adults, hand sanitizer, wipes, first-aid kits, over-the-counter medicine, tents, tarps, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, plastic storage bins, mosquito repellent, work gloves, masks, shovels, brooms, mops, heavy-duty trash bags, cleaning supplies, duct tape, rope, bottled water, non-perishable canned goods, ready-to-eat meals, baby formula, baby food, manual can openers, blankets, sleeping bags, towels, washcloths, new underwear, new socks, sturdy shoes, rainboots, new jackets, new ponchos and new warm clothing.
