The Jamaican-led non-profit organisation KaGra Foundation has mobilised a humanitarian response to assist Jamaicans severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in St Elizabeth as a powerful Category Five storm on Tuesday morning.

Known for its outreach across South Florida, Jamaica, and Haiti, the Derry-Ann Allen-led foundation quickly sprang into action, packing emergency supplies as reports of devastation, flooding, and displacement poured in from western parishes.

“We could not stand by and just watch this happening to our country,” Allen told the Jamaica Observer. “Most of our members are from Jamaica, and even though that does not influence where we help or who we help, it’s very close to home.”

Allen explained that the team had already collected donations for its annual Christmas outreach event, Love Is a Verb, but decided to reroute all resources to support recovery efforts in Jamaica.

“It was a no-brainer,” she said. “We’re going to cancel our Christmas outreach and give assistance to those who need it most.”

The foundation is currently collecting non-perishable food, first aid kits, hygiene products, flashlights, water purification tablets, diapers, baby formula, gloves, blankets, and gently worn clothes and shoes, items it says are critical as many families have been left without homes, electricity, or basic supplies.

Allen added that while communication with some communities remains difficult, the team will continue coordinating shipments and identifying additional needs once contact is restored.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide immediate relief and support to the affected communities,” she said, praising volunteers Melissa Hamilton and Melissa Dillon for leading on-the-ground mobilisation efforts.

The KaGra Foundation’s ongoing commitment to service is inspired by the memory of Kameisha Grant, Allen’s best friend, who passed at age 22 shortly after graduating from The University of the West Indies. In her honour, the foundation has carried out numerous initiatives, from assisting terminally ill patients to supporting education programmes and helping low-income families.

Last year, the group temporarily shifted its Christmas drive to assist residents in Tampa, Florida, following severe hurricane damage there. This year, its focus has turned homeward.

“We know what to do,” Allen said. “We’ve been here before. The difference is, this time, it’s Jamaica — and we’re doing everything we can to help.”

Boxes of essential relief items, including sanitary products, soaps, and other hygiene supplies, are being prepared for shipment to families affected by Hurricane Melissa.