JEFFERSON, Iowa — Iowans are helping survivors of Hurricane Beryl living in shelters nearly 2,000 miles away.
Midwest Mission Iowa is looking to get more gallon buckets that will be used for cleaning supply kits. hose kits will primarily go to families in Jamaica, one of the areas most impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
“You don’t realize until the disaster strikes you what you really need,” Alaire Willits, a volunteer coordinator for Midwest Mission Iowa, said.
Midwest Mission Iowa works with partner organizations all around the world to provide care packages to people in need.
“It’s not a race, it’s a marathon and we’ll be there until everyone’s needs are met,” Willits said.
On Thursday morning, one of those organizations requested items to ship to Jamaican families displaced by Hurricane Beryl.
“They put together the request, we put together our resources and let people know some of the needs and then when they’re collected they’re shipped,” Willits said.
The plan is to assemble mats made out of plastic bags to provide a comfortable space to sleep as many are currently staying in shelters.
“The needs are just eminent and they’re continuing, they’re ongoing,” Willits said.
The nonprofit needs donations of plastic bags as well as pillows and bed sheets to fulfill its mission.
“It seems like every weather-related event is a disaster,” Willits said. “We have fires, we have flooding, we have winds and tornadoes and hurricanes. There seems to be no end. We just want to send help and love to people wherever they are around the world.”
Donations can be dropped off at Midwest Mission Iowa’s headquarters at 219 North Chestnut Street during regular opening from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Donations will also be accepted at the Algona United Methodist Church between 9 a.m. and noon and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday.