November 10, 2025 — Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica late last month. Current damage estimates show the Category 5 storm caused as much as $7 billion in damages. International aid organizations have descended on the island nation with relief supplies, and the United States has pledged $12 million in assistance.
But when a disaster like Hurricane Melissa hits, governments do not commonly donate essentials like food and drinking water, meaning it often falls to organizations and individuals — such as PEF member Michelle Campbell — to help feed those affected by the hurricane.
“This is something I wanted to do personally,” said Campbell, who is a Healthcare Management Systems Analyst with the New York State Department of Health. “Jamaica is my homeland, and the people are near and dear to my heart. I know they’re hungry. I know firsthand that they need the food.”
Campbell is Jamaican-American and her family and friends were impacted by the storm. While they work to rebuild, she wanted to do something for as many people on the island as possible.
With her own money, Campbell bought enough food and supplies to fit into a 170-gallon container to ship to Jamaica. She recognized that her own efforts would not be enough and recorded multiple social media videos asking others to join her cause.
“This is a focus on the community. I want all my friends and associates to see if they can put in a little right now,” said Campbell in one of her first videos. “Let’s see if together we can get something substantial to feed a community.”
Since her first call to action and since that first container was shipped, Campbell has received donations from co-workers and friends moved by her goodwill. A few fellow PEF members donated items like water, flour, and rice. Others at the Department of Health donated money, which she uses to shop for fresh food.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. We know that people are generous and we’re blessed, and right now we have a country in need,” said Campbell. “I think that this should be our standard reaction (in times of crisis). People are hurting. I am hoping that at least once monthly I can ship out that 170-gallon container.”
Campbell is collecting food, towels, laundry detergent, soap, toilet paper, and most importantly: bottled water.
“I would love to have a whole pallet of water. Right now we have four cases of water,” said Campbell. “I am not going to ship four cases of water. We need a pallet.”
Campbell said she is serious about helping the entire community. Her goal is to help feed at least 200 families.
PEF members who wish to help Campbell by contributing a monetary donation can do so through her CashApp: $MichelleJoyC or viaPayPal using the email amsotnas@gmail.com (Michelle Santos).
She also set up an Amazon.com registry where members can order needed items that will be shipped directly to Campbell’s home and then on to Jamaica every time she fills her 170-gallon bin.