JN Money covers grocery bills for shoppers in hurricane-hit Santa Cruz

Gratitude, relief and excitement filled In Town Supermarket in Santa Cruz on December 18, as JN Money stepped in to cover grocery bills for several customers still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Santa Cruz is among several western Jamaican communities where residents continue to grapple with damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and tight household budgets following the storm. Across St Elizabeth, many families rely on agriculture, small trade and informal daily work, sectors that were hit hard by the hurricane—resulting in reduced earnings and rising living costs.

Against that backdrop, JN Money partnered with In Town Supermarket, one of its agent locations in the area, to deliver immediate, practical relief at the checkout counters. For shoppers, the unexpected assistance meant putting food on the table without added worry, if only for the day.

For beneficiary Marvalee Braham, the help came at a critical moment. “The money I have wasn’t enough,” she said. “I was going to sort out some things [and there are] persons I owed, so thank you very much.”

Another shopper, Lornalin Carby, also expressed deep appreciation. “It’s been a long time I haven’t received anything like this,” she said, reflecting on the storm’s toll. “Melissa did us so bad, but we have to be grateful.”

Evona Blair, a JN member for more than 40 years, was equally appreciative as her groceries were fully paid for, describing the gesture as a welcome surprise for which she was “very grateful.”

Supermarket staff said the experience was uplifting, underscoring how small acts of kindness can play a role in community healing after trauma. “I really appreciate JN Money being here because you’ve put smiles on our customers’ faces and that made me happy and has also made my Christmas,” said Nadia Beadle, cashier supervisor at the JN Money agent location.

The Santa Cruz activity formed part of JN Money’s Holiday Hope initiative, aimed at providing timely, human-centered support during the holiday season—particularly in communities facing prolonged recovery after the major hurricane. In Town Supermarket was the first of several agent locations in severely affected parishes slated for similar surprise visits, where the JN Money team plans to cover the cost of groceries, food and hardware items.

Sanya Wallace, assistant general manager of the JN Money Group, said the impact was intentional. “Through the Holiday Hope initiative, we want to bring some comfort and holiday cheer during this challenging time, while showing our continued commitment to communities,” Wallace said. “We hope these random acts of kindness will serve as a meaningful gesture of support and encouragement for all, especially those trying to return to some level of normalcy at this time.”