CHESAPEAKE, Va. — As Jamaica prepares for the impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, Operation Blessing -- a local faith-based organization -- is gearing up to send help.

Inside the nonprofit’s Chesapeake warehouse, teams are spending the next 48 hours assembling relief bags filled with critical items such as water purifiers, hygiene kits, and other essentials for families who may lose everything.

Senior Director of Global Operations Diego Traverso said his team is ready to deploy as soon as conditions allow.

“I know what it is to be there after a disaster like this happens, without nothing, without hope,” Traverso said.

He’s responded to more than 40 disasters worldwide, offering humanitarian aid and comfort to communities in crisis.

“And seeing someone coming and helping you and br

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