Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica last month, the community in Wolverhampton is coming together to provide urgent humanitarian aid.
The Heritage Centre is leading local efforts, working closely with community stakeholders and the City of Wolverhampton Council to coordinate donations and support. The Heritage Centre will be the central hub for collecting a wide range of desperately needed items, in line with official guidance from the Jamaican Government.
The council is supporting this by setting up drop off points across the city for donations which will then be delivered to the Heritage Centre. Donation points are as follows: The Heritage Centre, Clifford Street WV6 0AA; WV Active Aldersley, Aldersley Road WV6 9NW; Dove Family Hub, Ryefield WV8 1TX; WV Active Central, Bath Avenue WV1 4EG; Civic Centre, St Peter's Square WV1 1SH; Low Hill Family Hub, Fourth Avenue WV10 9LZ; Wednesfield Library, Well Lane WV11 1XT; Ashmore Park Library, Griffiths Drive WV11 2JW; Mount Shiloh Apostolic Church, Hickman Avenue WV1 2BS; WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, Nettlefolds Way WV14 0EF; Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street WV2 3AS; Bingley Family Hub, Norfolk Road WV3 0JE; Bantock House, Finchfield Road WV3 9LQ; and Warstones Library, Pinfold Grove WV4 4PT.
The following items are urgently required and can be donated via council collection points and to The Heritage Centre directly: Batteries, flashlights, lanterns, pillowcases, non-perishable foods (canned goods), ropes/bungee cords, buckets with lids, collapsible water storage containers, heavy-duty rubbish bags, hygiene kits/sanitary products, and water purification kits. In addition, larger items including bedding foam, tarpaulins, pillows and cots are also needed and should be donated directly to the Heritage Centre.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "The people of Wolverhampton have always shown incredible compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
“As we witness the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on communities across Jamaica, we are working hand in hand with The Heritage Centre to provide urgent relief and hope to those in need. If you are able to make a donation, please do so via the Civic Centre or one of the many collection points around the city."
