Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman, training and communications coordinator at the Jamaica Red Cross, says the organisation's main need next year is volunteers.

"We are a volunteer organisation and so we are always in need of persons to help out with our various charity deeds," she said.

In addition to human resources, she said the Red Cross was also in need of financial assistance.

"We encourage persons to make donations by sending money to our bank account or through salary deductions," she said.

Individuals may also contribute clothing and non-perishable food items to the organisation.

The Jamaica Red Cross, through its 13 branches across the island, serves the nation in areas such as disaster preparedness and response, youth empowerment, HIV and AIDS prevention, education and support and first-aid training. As an auxiliary to the Government, the Red Cross also provides support to numerous government agencies such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and the Ministry of Health. It also partners with other agencies to help fulfil its mission of improving the lives of the most vulnerable.

Account #: BNS 20499 Tel: 984-7860

Food For the Poor

At the top of this organisation's list is more prayer and blessings.

"We definitely always need that," said Bradley Finzi-Smith, executive director of Food For the Poor. "We also not only need donations in cash, but in kind."

Finzi-Smith said that with the recent increases in basic food items, such as rice, the organisation is gearing up for a rough year.

"Our food warehouse right now is basically empty, so we would definitely need contributions to fund our food and feeding programmes."

He said Food For the Poor also plans to build more houses next year and hopes to increase its partnerships with both private organisations and the Government.

"We can achieve more if we work along with other organisations. We are looking to stretch everybody's dollar as far as we can."

He said the charity was also hoping to put some 10,000 computers in schools next year, as well as continue its bathroom programme, whereby it converted pit latrines into flushable toilets.

"We have spent $20 million on that project in two years. We now need new funds to continue the programme," he said.

Food For the Poor's mission is to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, working to improve the health, economic, social and spiritual conditions of the men, women and children they serve.

The organisation raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organisations already operating in areas of need.

Tel: 907-3655