Jefferson-based Midwest Mission is calling on volunteers from the region to help provide much-needed food to Jamaica following the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa at the end of October. The oceanic storm was rated a category five, the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, when it made landfall and left hundreds of thousands of people without food, water, shelter, or electricity. While recovery efforts have begun, Danille Curtis, the Iowa manager for Midwest Mission, says food remains one of the chief concerns.
Midwest Mission sent its first shipment of meals to Jamaica on Oct. 31, just days after the hurricane struck. However, the need has not waned, and Curtis says more meals need to be packaged. The non-profit organization is hosting six packing shifts over the next several days in their Jefferson location at 219 N. Chestnut St. Available shifts include Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Curtis says the process is simple, and all are welcome to lend a hand.
Their goal is to pack at least 5,000 bags over the next several days, which should feed close to 30,000 people in crisis. Curtis says Midwest Mission has a long history of efforts like this one.
Curtis adds that volunteers come from all around the state to lend a hand, and she encourages anyone interested to sign up for a shift online at www.midwestmission.org/mealsforjamaica. People can also financially support the mission online, as each meal costs just two dollars.
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midwestmission.org/mealsforjamaica
