Marina
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, communities in Kansas City, Missouri, are banding together to help families in Jamaica recover from the storm’s devastating impact.
Both nonprofit organizations and local business owners have stepped up to offer critical relief and support to affected residents on the island.
Heart to Heart International Launches Emergency Relief Mission
Heart to Heart International (HHI), a Lenexa-based humanitarian organization, is leading a disaster response mission to Jamaica. A specialized team is being deployed on Friday to assess the extent of the damage and deliver much-needed aid.
To aid in recovery efforts, HHI is sending several pallets of medical equipment, hygiene kits, air conditioners, and water filtration systems to provide both immediate and long-term relief. Their goal is to assist local healthcare facilities and families struggling with limited resources after the hurricane.
Local Restaurant Joins the Cause
At the same time, the owners of Wah Gwan Jamaican Restaurant in Kansas City are collecting donations to send directly to their loved ones and communities back home in Jamaica.
They are accepting nonperishable food and hygiene products, which will be shipped overseas to those in urgent need. The restaurant’s manager, Wing Wong, shared the emotional toll the disaster has had on families, saying,
“People lost everything — even their crabs and small businesses. It’s going to be really tough. Rebuilding will take time.”
These heartfelt efforts reflect the deep connection between Kansas City’s Jamaican community and their homeland, as they rally to provide both emotional and material support.
How You Can Help
Community members can contribute in two key ways:
- Make monetary donations through Heart to Heart International’s official website at hearttoheart.org.
- Drop off relief items such as hygiene supplies or canned food at Wah Gwan Jamaican Restaurant in Kansas City.
Every contribution helps bring Jamaica one step closer to rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.
The Kansas City community is once again proving that compassion knows no borders.
With organizations like Heart to Heart International leading relief missions and local restaurants mobilizing grassroots donations, this joint effort demonstrates the power of unity in times of crisis.
Together, they are turning empathy into action—helping Jamaica recover and rebuild stronger than before.