GEM arrives in Jamaica to set up warehouses filled with aid for Melissa-impacted residents
Global Empowerment Mission has touched down in Jamaica to begin preparations for residents impacted by Hurricane Melissa to receive urgently needed aid Speaking with News on Wednesday from St Elizabeth in western Jamaica Kimberly Bentley the group s Director of Crisis Response explained how the South Florida-based nonprofit plans to tackle this massive undertaking We arrived prior to the storm so we could get all the paperwork and clearances in order so that way we could hit the ground running The airports just opened up so now that that s taken care of the following day we can go into the field and be sure that impacted areas have access noted Bentley The storm made landfall on Tuesday as a Category storm destroying homes and buildings and leaving a trail of destruction across western Jamaica Now after days of preparing by packing supplies at their Doral warehouse to bring relief to the people on the island help is on the way Bentley says the organization is setting up warehouses to receive boxes filled with aid supplies like food water generators batteries and radios We ve got three cargo planes coming in and as of next week we also have containers coming in consistently she explained She highlighted how several GEM supporters have roots on the island They are doing anything they can to help and encourage others to do the same My brother is in the direct path mentioned a volunteer in the Doral warehouse We re just having faith and trusting God and giving all the positive ability back commented another volunteer in the Doral warehouse Bentley added that the help doesn t go unnoticed with those largest part affected by the storm It s not only supplies but it s hope in a box so I think that gives particular morale knowing that they aren t forgotten and there is help on the way she stated The organization says they are reliably looking for contributors who want to help pack aid boxes for those in need For more information on Melissa donations to GEM click here For information on neighborhood volunteering at GEM click here
