Tampa Bay collecting donations to send aid to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

After Hurricane Melissa left widespread devastation across Jamaica, the Tampa Bay community has rallied to provide relief.

The Caribbean American National Development Organization has set up a collection center at the Jerk Hut restaurant on Fowler Avenue. The donation drive began Thursday and has already filled one 20-foot shipping container, with efforts underway to fill a second.

Organizers are asking for items such as solar devices, batteries, radios, non-perishable food, and hygiene products. They are not collecting water bottles, clothes, or shoes, as other organizations are already providing those.

Francis Joseph, with the Caribbean American National Development Organization, said the damage is severe. Theres a lot of hospitals down, homes destroyed, and infrastructure out. We are