TRAVEL partners, as well as Sandals and Beaches Resorts guests, are making an active contribution towards community recovery following the passage of Hurricane Melissa late last October.

Since the reopening of the Jamaican resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril on December 6, guests and travel partners have, through the Sandals Foundation’s partnership with United States non-profit Pack for A Purpose, provided more than 7,000 pounds of supplies to support children, families and vulnerable communities.

Supplies — which include clothes, toys, school supplies, stationery, and sanitary products — have been systematically distributed to organisations, remote communities, and families in St Ann, St James, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and Trelawny.

“We have seen a growing number of guests respond to appeals to donate supplies through the Pack for a Purpose programme, a global initiative that enables travellers to bring up to five pounds of essential items for local communities in need,” said Regional Public Relations Manager in Negril Ashley Simms.

According to Simms, in her region, the donated items have been distributed to the Savanna-la-Mar Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation Poor Relief Department — two organisations at the forefront of helping families work to recover nearly three months after the storm.

“We have collected quite a variety of products, including non-perishable food, hygiene products, school supplies, and other everyday essentials identified as priority needs by local stakeholders. The supplies are expected to assist hundreds of residents in the region who continue to face challenges related to housing repair, food security, and basic necessities,” added Simms.

Mellisa Boothe-Anderson, representative of the Savanna-la-Mar Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, underscored the long-standing partnership with the philanthropic organisation.

“When it comes on to Sandals and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation we can never be strangers because the partnership over the years has been phenomenal. Savanna-La-Mar Women’s Centre — whether it’s a celebration, well-being support, or relief — the Sandals Foundation has always been there, and we are thankful,” said Boothe-Anderson.

Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025 Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation have been instrumental in leading, first, relief and recovery efforts by supporting hospital and school restoration, coordinating local and international partner support, and providing for the livelihood and well-being needs of families.

In December, as part of efforts to honour the spirit of the Yuletide season, more than 300 travel advisers attending the Back to Jamaica Showcase coordinated by Sandals Resorts, also brought more than 250 pounds of toys that continue to be shared with children across various schools.

Students at Ocho Rios Methodist Basic School in January unpack Christmas stockings filled with school supplies and toys donated by travel advisers at the Sandals Back to Jamaica Travel Showcase.

From left: Mellisa Boothe-Anderson, manager, Savanna-la-Mar Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation; Ashley Simms, regional public relations manager (Sandals Negril); Stacey-Ann Reid, counsellor; and Claudia Lindsay; pose with a portion of the donations made by the Sandals Foundation, Pack for a Purpose to the centre.