Fort Lauderdale launches major Caribbean relief drive to support families devastated by Hurricane Melissa across island communities

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – As communities across the Caribbean struggle to recover from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the City of Fort Lauderdale has announced a major relief effort to support those most affected by the devastating storm. Partnering with Food For The Poor (FFTP), one of the country’s largest international relief organizations, the city has officially launched the Caribbean Relief Drive to collect urgently needed supplies for disaster-stricken families.

Hurricane Melissa tore through multiple Caribbean islands earlier this week, leaving a trail of destruction across the region. The powerful storm brought torrential rain, widespread flooding, and destructive winds that flattened homes, damaged schools and hospitals, and knocked out power to entire communities. Many residents remain without access to clean water, food, or medical care. For thousands of families, daily survival has become a desperate challenge.

City officials said the relief drive aims to mobilize the compassion and generosity of Fort Lauderdale residents to provide critical support. “Our city has a long and proud history of helping our neighbors in times of crisis,” a spokesperson said. “Through this partnership with Food For The Poor, we can ensure that every donation makes it directly into the hands of those who need it most.”

Beginning immediately, all Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) stations and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) Headquarters will serve as official donation drop-off locations. The city is encouraging residents, businesses, and community groups to contribute essential goods that can be shipped directly to affected regions.

Where to Donate

Fire station lobbies will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to receive contributions. The public can drop off items at any of the following stations:

• Station 2: 528 NW 2nd St.
• Station 3: 2801 SW 4th Ave.
• Station 8: 1717 SW 1st Ave.
• Station 16: 533 NE 22nd St., Wilton Manors
• Station 29: 2002 NE 16th St.
• Station 35: 1969 E. Commercial Blvd.
• Station 46: 1515 NW 19th St.
• Station 47: 1000 SW 27th Ave.
• Station 49: 1015 Seabreeze Blvd.
• Station 53: 2200 Executive Airport Way
• Station 54: 3211 NE 32nd St.

Additionally, donations can be delivered to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department lobby at 1515 W. Cypress Creek Rd. between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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What to Donate

The city and Food For The Poor have provided a list of the most needed items for the relief effort. These include:

• Nonperishable food and canned goods
• Hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
• Baby supplies including diapers, wipes, and formula
• First-aid kits and medical essentials
• New, unused work gloves
• Heavy-duty trash bags and industrial sponges
• Tarps, sleeping bags, and military cots
• Solar-powered lights, crank or battery-powered AM/FM radios, flashlights, and batteries

Residents are asked not to donate clothing, linens, shoes, or generators, as these items cannot be accepted. Additionally, monetary donations will not be collected at the drop-off locations. Instead, those who wish to contribute financially can do so securely online at www.FoodForThePoor.org/MelissaRelief.

How Donations Help

All items collected in Fort Lauderdale will be transported to Food For The Poor’s distribution center in Coconut Creek, where teams will sort, pack, and ship them to impacted areas across the Caribbean. The organization will coordinate deliveries in partnership with local authorities and community organizations to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities quickly and efficiently.

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Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Broward County, Food For The Poor has built a strong reputation for its humanitarian work throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. The nonprofit provides food, clean water, housing, education, and healthcare to millions of people living in poverty. During natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa, FFTP plays a vital role in mobilizing rapid-response aid and supporting long-term recovery efforts.

“Hurricane Melissa has left families across the Caribbean facing unimaginable challenges,” said a representative from Food For The Poor. “Partnerships like this one with the City of Fort Lauderdale help us deliver immediate relief and give communities hope as they begin to rebuild their lives.”

A Community United in Compassion

City leaders emphasized that while the devastation from Hurricane Melissa is far-reaching, collective compassion can make a real difference. “Every donated item—every can of food, every pack of diapers, every flashlight—represents a lifeline to someone who has lost everything,” the spokesperson said. “Fort Lauderdale’s response in moments like these reminds us that we are part of a larger global community.”

Residents who have questions about donation logistics or accepted items can contact the Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000. Updates about the Caribbean Relief Drive will also be shared on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s official website and social media channels.

As the Caribbean begins the long road to recovery, Fort Lauderdale’s initiative stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to compassion and service. Through the combined efforts of residents, first responders, and humanitarian partners, this relief drive aims to bring comfort, hope, and tangible support to families facing the aftermath of one of the region’s most devastating storms in recent years.