When disaster strikes, it tests not only the resilience of the people directly affected, but also the compassion of those watching from afar. The devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has shaken communities across the globe – especially Jamaicans living thousands of miles away, right here in Hamilton County. And what has unfolded in response is nothing short of extraordinary.
For many immigrants, “home” exists in two places at once. Their roots may be planted in Indiana, but their hearts still beat in rhythm with the island that raised them. That bond became beautifully visible as the local Jamaican community stepped up, turning heartbreak into action and solidarity.
Leading this heartfelt mission is Stephanie Bailey, a Jamaican-born, long-time resident of Hamilton County whose instinct to serve is as natural as breathing.
“When I saw the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa, I had to jump into action,” she shared.
With the help of her coworkers, friends, and fellow Jamaican families in the area, Stephanie quickly began organizing a grassroots effort to collect non-perishable food, hygiene items, baby essentials, and emergency supplies for those who had lost everything.
Photo provided by Stephanie Bailey
Her family didn’t just donate – they showed up with time, love, and an unwavering commitment to their neighbors across the ocean. Inspired by this movement, me and my little family also did our part, donating what we could with the same love and compassion that we hope reaches every person affected. As immigrants ourselves, we understand deeply what it means to feel connected to a homeland that is far away. Supporting others in their moment of need felt not just important, but personal.
The community felt the same way. Barrels began filling up steadily, each one packed with hope and necessities for families trying to rebuild their lives. But with growth comes challenges.
As donations continued pouring in, so did the logistical hurdles. Putting together a relief project of this magnitude is no small task, especially with only a handful of volunteers and limited resources.
Photo provided by Stephanie Bailey
“With a few helping hands and a heart to serve, we are empowered to do the best we can,” Stephanie emphasized. Yet the next phase – the shipping – became the biggest obstacle.
Today, the team has 18 large 55-gallon barrels filled to the brim with essential supplies: food, diapers, wipes, medicine, sanitary products, and more. These barrels represent the purest form of love in action. But getting them from Indiana to Jamaica is an entirely different challenge. Shipping by sea cargo is expensive, complex, and requires careful coordination – an undertaking far larger than what a small volunteer group can cover on its own.
Which is why the community needs help now more than ever.
To keep this mission moving forward, donations are urgently needed – not only supplies, but support to cover shipping costs so these barrels can reach the families who are struggling in the hurricane’s aftermath. For those wishing to contribute, food, diapers, wipes, and hygiene supplies can be dropped off at the Pebble Brook Dairy Queen, 5625 Pebble Village Lane, Noblesville. Every item, every dollar, every small act brings the mission one step closer to Jamaica’s shores.
Photo provided by Stephanie Bailey
The beauty of this effort isn’t measured only in the number of barrels packed but in what they symbolize: unity, empathy, and the belief that humanity stretches beyond borders. Hamilton County’s response is a powerful reminder that compassion does not require proximity. It only requires heart.
And thanks to leaders like Stephanie Bailey – and countless families who stepped up with love – Jamaica is receiving an outpouring of support strong enough to withstand any storm.
Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.