Hurricane Melissa Relief: OCNJ Local and Landmark Church Rally for Jamaica
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday here in Ocean City, our thoughts turn to our neighbors to the south, who are facing a humanitarian crisis. Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, devastated Jamaica in late October, leaving a trail of destruction that residents are still struggling to overcome.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall with catastrophic 185 mph winds, primarily hammering the widespread “breadbasket” parish of St. Elizabeth and the western coast. The destruction of crops has led to immediate food insecurity, and the loss of homes has left thousands exposed to the elements.
The OCNJ Local has partnered with Landmark Church in Ocean City to spearhead local relief efforts. They are in direct contact with Mike Vita, the owner of the popular Rasta-Ade Refreshments beachfront café on 7 Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. Mike and his partner, Audley Anderson, actually had a Rasta-Ade Lemonade stand on the boardwalk in Ocean City a few years ago.
Mike is currently in the area for Thanksgiving and is working directly with the OCNJ Local and Landmark Church to coordinate a massive shipment of supplies. His experience in shipping logistics is vital, especially now. The Jamaican government has announced a moratorium on customs fees and taxes for relief goods until December 31, 2025.
Our goal is to collect, pack, and ship a care package to the people of Jamaica in the first week of December, ensuring these goods reach them tax-free and as quickly as possible.
How You Can Help: We are hosting a relief drop-off event this Sunday, November 30th, at Landmark Church, and we need the community to come out in force.
Drop-off Details:
- Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Landmark Church (Corner of 8th St. and West Ave, Ocean City)
What is Needed? Based on the official relief list from the Jamaica Customs Agency, we are prioritizing the following items. Please stick to this list to ensure smooth customs clearance:
- Clothing: Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s all sizes
- Building Supplies: Zinc sheets (critical for roofing), Tarps, Nails, Ply boards, Hammers, Saws, Drills (and other basic hand tools).
- Lighting & Power: Solar flood lights, Flashlights, Lanterns, Batteries (disposable & mobile packs), Generators (household use only, max 5000W), Inverters/Solar panels.
- Sleeping & Comfort: Sleeping bags, Bed cots, Mattresses, Bed linens, Pillows.
- Food & Hygiene: Non-perishable food (canned goods, rice, etc.), Toiletries, First Aid Kits, Sanitizers/Wipes, Diapers, Cleaning products.
- Water: Water purification kits, Buckets/Pans (for storage), Bottled water.
Let’s show the people of Jamaica that Ocean City and the South Jersey community have their back.