WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) – Hurricane Melissa left deadly and costly destruction in the Caribbean Islands last month.

Communities in southeastern North Carolina are coming together to help with recovery efforts after the Category 5 storm washed through Jamaica in October, killing at least 32 people, according to AP.

Evangelist Mary Scott, who attends church at Victory Jesus Ministries in Whiteville, is helping to organize a way to send essentials to those in need.

Scott has been taking missionary trips to the island for the past 20 years and says the cause is near to her heart as she has friends that she considers family in a devastating situation.

Scott and the church are preparing to send barrels that will contain clothes, non-perishable foods, and toiletries.

In Caribbean culture, sending barrels has been a tradition for many years. It’s a way for families living in the United States to send goods back to loved ones on the islands. The barrels typically contain higher quality products at a more affordable price.

Normally, people on the island would have to pay to pick up their barrels, but in the case of emergencies, things are different.

The Jamaica Customs Agency says the government has approved a tax waiver on goods that are sent for recovery that will last until Dec. 31.

Scott reached out to her friend, who survived the hurricane, Melanie Grubb, to see what it looks like on the island now.

“Well, first, I must say we have life. That’s the greatest thing,” said Grubb on the phone. “There’s a lot of disaster, a lot of pain in people right now based on what happened. A lot of trees fall down, a lot of people died. I don’t have any lights or water in my community at this moment. ”

Grubb also says some parts of the island saw a lot of flooding.

Scott and Grubb discussed how neighbors on the island are forced to find water from rivers, and most of the water around the island is contaminated.

Along with fresh water, Grubb says they need food, as there is a major shortage.

Scott says now is the time to help because they can’t get access to many resources.

“You know, they can’t even get off the island. They have to wait till someone comes in to remove the trees and the telephone poles down, the electric poles down.”

Scott is glad her friends are okay and is ready to step up and help alongside her church.

Anyone who wants to donate supplies for the barrels can contact Scott at 910-297-3067 or visit Victory In Jesus Ministries located on 109 N Madison St in Whiteville.