Vero Beach, FL — In response to Hurricane Melissa, which severely impacted communities across Jamaica, local leaders on the Treasure Coast have coordinated a regional relief initiative to collect and deliver urgently needed supplies. The effort brings together Food For The Poor, Coastal Van Lines, and community leader Christina Klingler, Business Development Manager of VoiceLogix.
Three public drop-off locations have been established across the area, including:
- Coastal Van Lines — Main Drop Off Location
- Nixon Building — Donated as a drop-off site by Mike & Maria Mendez of Atmosphere
- BIG BOYZ Jamaican Restaurant — Community collection point supporting the Jamaican diaspora
The first phase of the drive will run through November 7, 2025, focusing on the most urgent supplies required for stabilization and recovery.
Collected supplies will be transported by Coastal Van Lines directly to Food For The Poor’s warehouse in Coconut Grove, where goods will then be shipped by air and ship cargo and distributed into the hardest‑hit regions of Jamaica.
“The Food For The Poor team is currently on the ground assessing and mobilizing resources in the most affected parishes,” Klingler said. “Our goal locally is to assist with rapid collection so relief can move as quickly as possible.”
Key Partners & Roles
Food For The Poor (FFTP) — Managing major logistics, warehousing, shipping, and direct distribution in Jamaica.
Coastal Van Lines — Serving as both a primary public drop‑off location and transportation partner, managing consolidation and delivery operations.
Community Leadership: Christina Klingler (VoiceLogix) — Coordinating partner engagement and public involvement, local logistics, highlighting the essential role of communication and organized systems in activating effective community response.
While VoiceLogix is not directing campaign communications, the effort showcases the company’s mission: communication enables action when people need it most.
Urgently Needed Supplies
Most Needed Supplies Items urgently requested include:
- Tarps
- Sleeping Bags
- Professional First-Aid Kits
- Generators
- Blankets
- Children’s school and art supplies
- Diapers for children and adults
- Chainsaws
- Work Gloves
- Hygiene Kits (Including Hair Brush, Combs)
- Trash Waste Bags (Large)
- Solar-Powered Lights
- Canned Foods (expires at least one year out)
- Tents
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (2 oz)
- Non-Perishable Foods (expires at least one year out)
- Rubber Boots
- Big Plastic Bins
- Shovels
- XL Heavy Duty Trash Bags
- Plastic Utensils
- Paper plates
- Shampoo – 2oz
- Industrial Sponges
- Soap – 3 oz
- Unscented deodorant – 2 oz
- Wash cloths
- Paper towels
- Flashlights and Batteries
- Rotary Rescue Saws
- Military Cots
- Portable Emergency Lighting
- NO USED CLOTHING OR LINEN!
Drop-Off Locations & Hours
Coastal Van Lines — 1622 91st Ct., Vero Beach, FL
7AM-5PM
Nixon Building — 1670 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL (Provided by Atmosphere)
Text 772 633 3410
BIG BOYZ Jamaican Restaurant — 774 South US1, Vero Beach, FL
8AM-8PM
Businesses, churches, schools, and civic groups are encouraged to coordinate micro‑drives feeding into the three drop off locations in Indian River County.
“Community participation will directly determine the scale of support we can deliver,” Klingler said. “Every contribution will assist families who are facing prolonged recovery.”
About the Partners
Food For The Poor — One of the largest international relief organizations serving the Caribbean and Latin America, specializing in food, housing, water, healthcare, and disaster response.
Coastal Van Lines — A trusted Treasure Coast logistics provider contributing trucks, staging space, and transport resources for this humanitarian initiative.
VoiceLogix — A local telecom provider, headquartered in Vero Beach. Through Klingler’s leadership in this effort, the organization underscores the critical importance of clear communication and strong systems in coordinating relief and recovery.
