The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Yonkers Branch, together with the New Rochelle and Port Chester/Rye Branches, joined by Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams (D16), Yonkers City Council Member Deana Norman (1st District), coordinated a critical disaster relief initiative to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica’s approval of a tax waiver through November 28, 2025, created an important opportunity to collect donations for residents impacted by the storm. Collections began on Monday, November 17, 2025, and continued for one week at two primary locations: Yonkers City Hall and the Michaelian Office Building. The community’s generosity filled three barrels and four boxes, which will be delivered to the Warsop Seventh Day Adventist Church in Trelawny, Jamaica. NAACP Yonkers Branch President Kisha D. Skipper stated, “As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, a time when we have so much to be thankful for, we stand in solidarity with those affected by Hurricane Melissa. We pray for the safety and well-being of all whose lives have been altered by this devastating storm, and we are grateful for the opportunity to offer support during this difficult time.” James Henderson III, President of the Port Chester–Rye Branch, affirmed the collaboration: “The NAACP Port Chester–Rye Branch stands in full support of this critical relief effort for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Many in our communities have family, friends, and loved ones who were directly affected by this devastating hurricane, and we know that better days are ahead because the resilience of the Jamaican people is unwavering.” Aisha Cook, President of the New Rochelle Branch, added: “The utter devastation experienced required ‘all hands on deck.’ Our humanity requires that we stand in the gap when our brothers and sisters suffer.” Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams shared: “As islands in the Caribbean continue to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, it is essential that we stand with our brothers and sisters during this difficult time. Moments like this call for unity, compassion, and action. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the NAACP Yonkers Branch for organizing this effort and to everyone in the community who donated. Your contributions remind us of the power of community and our shared responsibility to support those facing hardship. Together, we can help islands like Jamaica—the land of my birth—rebuild and heal.” Yonkers City Council Majority Whip Deana Norman added: “As Councilmember for a majority-minority district with a strong Jamaican American community, it is important for me to stand with our residents as they support loved ones back home. I’m deeply grateful to everyone in Council District 1 who contributed to this vital effort. Thank you to the NAACP Yonkers Branch for leading the charge on this important humanitarian mission. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. The tragedy in Jamaica is truly heart-wrenching, and today we stand in full support of our brothers and sisters across the Caribbean. May we continue to lift them in prayer and extend compassion wherever it’s needed.” Sasha Gay-Denton, a Jamaican native and Yonkers resident who lost a loved one and helped coordinate the packing and shipping of items, expressed her gratitude: “I am incredibly grateful for the food and clothing contributions made by the NAACP Yonkers Branch. These donations will impact many lives in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, who have been affected by the Category 5 hurricane. It means a great deal to be able to give back to my country, especially when they need it most.”