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Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is leading a countywide relief effort to deliver urgent support to families and communities in need. The initiative invites residents, businesses, and county employees to come together in donating essential supplies and resources to help Jamaica recover and rebuild.
The Office of the Tax Collector, in partnership with the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), is spearheading a large-scale donation drive through designated Miami-Dade County Tax Collector offices serving as official drop-off locations.
“Our neighbors in Jamaica are facing tremendous hardship, and we want them to know they are not alone,” said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Every donation and every act of kindness helps ease someone’s burden and brings hope where it’s needed most.” Added Fernandez.
The Office of the Tax Collector is also encouraging employees to participate through a special Personal Time Off (PTO) donation initiative, allowing staff to contribute a portion of their paid time off. These donated hours will be converted into monetary contributions used to purchase additional relief supplies and assist families directly affected by the storm.
Accepted Donation Items:
Residents may drop off new, unopened items during regular business hours at any Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Office. Requested goods include:
Non-Perishable Foods
- Canned protein, vegetables, fruits, and beans (peel-off tops preferred)
- Dried fruits, protein bars, crackers, chips, beef jerky
- Cereal, ramen, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)
- Cases of bottled water
Hygiene Items
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper, wet wipes
Temporary Household & Emergency Needs
- Generators, chainsaws, rotary rescue saws
- Tarps, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, large industrial trash bags
- Bug or mosquito repellent, work gloves and boots (new only)
- Sleeping bags, military cots, air mattresses (new only)
- Flashlights, batteries (AA/AAA/D), portable radios
- First aid kits, Lifestraw water filters, solar-powered lanterns or devices
- Power banks (preferably solar-powered), empty gas cans for generators
Please note: Only new items will be accepted. Used clothing and linens will not be collected.
