Inspiring Students to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts for Jamaica

Here’s how schools and educators can guide students to make a meaningful impact.

1. Start With Education

Before asking students to participate in relief efforts, help them understand the situation. Consider:

✅ Sharing age-appropriate videos or news clips
✅ Discussing how hurricanes affect communities
✅ Reading stories or accounts from people who have experienced hurricanes

When students understand the “why,” they feel more motivated to take positive action.

2. Connect It to Values

Focus on character skills:

• Compassion

• Responsibility

• Teamwork

• Kindness

Ask reflective questions:

“How would you feel if this happened in our community?”
“How can even small acts help big problems?”

3. Encourage Meaningful Donations

Many students may want to contribute items instead of money. Here are school-appropriate, helpful donation ideas:

✅ Non-perishable Food

• Canned goods (beans, tuna, vegetables, fruit)

• Rice, pasta, instant noodles

• Granola bars, cereal, peanut butter

(Avoid glass containers)

✅ Personal Care Items

• Soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste

• Shampoo + hair products

• Deodorant

• Feminine hygiene products

• Hand sanitizer & wipes

✅ Baby Care Essentials

• Diapers & wipes

• Baby formula (sealed)

• Baby lotion & soap

✅ School Supplies (for affected students)

• Pencils, crayons, markers

• Notebooks and folders

• Backpacks

✅ New or Gently Used Items

• Blankets & towels

• Clothing (clean, good condition)

• Socks & shoes

Encourage families to donate new or very gently used items to maintain dignity and quality.

4. Offer Creative Fundraising Options

Not every family can donate items—and that’s okay! Students can also support relief efforts through:

🎨 Art sales
📚 Read-a-thons
👕 Dress-down/spirit days
🎤 Talent shows
🍪 Bake sales

These events help build school community while raising funds.

5. Partner With Trusted Organizations

Coordinate donations with:

• Recognized disaster-relief agencies

• Local Jamaican community groups

• Churches or cultural organizations collecting supplies

6. Celebrate the Impact

After your drive:

🏆 Thank students publicly
📷 Share photos or messages from partners (when available)
🌍 Talk about how donations help families in Jamaica

Students feel empowered when they see their kindness making a difference.

Teaching Compassion in Action

By guiding students to help those in need, we’re building a generation that understands empathy, global responsibility, and community care.

Even one toothbrush, one can of food, or one encouraging message can make a real difference.