Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Leads Hurricane Relief Effort for Jamaica

Nov 13, 2025 10 mins read

thumbnail-tc-donation-post.jpg

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is leading a countywide relief effort to deliver urgent support to families and communities in need. In partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), the Tax Collector’s Office is coordinating a large-scale donation drive, with all 10 Tax Collector offices serving as official drop-off locations.

“Our neighbors in Jamaica are facing tremendous hardship, and we want them to know they are not alone,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Every donation and every act of kindness helps ease someone’s burden and brings hope where it’s needed most.”

In addition to public donations, the Office is launching a PTO donation initiative for employees, allowing staff to contribute a portion of their paid time off. Donated hours will be converted into funds to purchase additional relief supplies and assist families directly affected by the storm.

How to Help

Bring new, unopened items to any Tax Collector office during regular business hours (locations below).

Accepted Donation Items

Non-Perishable Foods

  • Canned protein, vegetables, fruits, beans (peel-off tops preferred)

  • Dried fruits, protein bars, crackers, chips, beef jerky

  • Cereal, ramen, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)

  • Cases of bottled water

Hygiene Items

  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Toilet paper, wet wipes

Temporary Household & Emergency Needs

  • Generators, chainsaws, rotary rescue saws

  • Tarps, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, large industrial trash bags

  • Bug/mosquito repellent, work gloves and new work boots

  • Sleeping bags, military cots, air mattresses (new only)

  • Flashlights, batteries (AA/AAA/D), portable radios

  • First-aid kits, LifeStraw water filters, solar-powered lanterns/devices

  • Power banks (preferably solar-powered), gas cans for generators

Please note: Only new items will be accepted. Used clothing and linens will not be collected.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

  • Downtown Miami: 200 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33128

  • Miami Central: 3721 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33126

  • Midway Crossings (Suite 82C): 7795 W Flagler St, Suite 82C, Miami, FL 33144

  • North Dade Justice Center: 15555 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

  • Florida City: 1448 N Krome Ave, Florida City, FL 33034

  • Kendall (Suite 23): 11735 SW 147th Ave, Suite 23, Miami, FL 33196

  • Coral Gables: 224 Minorca Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

  • Hialeah Gardens (Suite 1-9): 11093 NW 138th St, Suite 1-9, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018

  • Miami Gardens: 18326 NW 7th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169

  • Coral Reef: 14653 SW 122 Ave. Miami, FL 33186

All collected donations will be coordinated through Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a South Florida–based humanitarian organization recognized for rapid, transparent disaster-response operations worldwide.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Gianfranco Puppio at press@mdctaxcollector.govor (786) 414-0557.