GREAT PLAINS TORNADOES 2024
UPDATED FRIDAY MAY 3, 2024 9:01 PM EST
Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to the destructive tornadoes that tore through the Great Plains on Friday and Saturday evenings, April 26 and 27. Multiple tornadoes were reported, with the most destructive storms moving across locations in Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma. Hundreds of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, trees and powerlines uprooted or knocked down, and thousands are without power. Multiple people have sustained injuries, and at least four fatalities have been reported.
In collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Walmart, Matthew 25: Ministries deployed their Disaster Response Team to Nebraska and Oklahoma along with the Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit and a mobile shower trailer unit to provide assistance to people impacted by the tornadoes. The team also provided supplies such as P&G personal care kits, Pampers diapers and wipes, paper products, Zevo insect repellant and additional supplies including garbage bags, cleaning supplies and first aid and safety supplies provided by Cintas to areas impacted by the tornadoes. Additionally, Matthew 25 deployed the Duracell PowerForward truck, equipped to carry as many as 20,000 Duracell batteries as well as on-board charging stations for mobile devices. Matthew 25 also deployed trucks equipped with tools and other supplies to help those cleaning up their homes and properties. While there, Matthew 25 also conducted damage assessments and worked with partners serving the impacted areas to evaluate ongoing needs.
DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES
If you or someone you know has been impacted by these storms, view the list below for information on where to find us or check our online Disaster Relief Resource Map for resources in your area.
RECENT UPDATES FROM THE TEAM
5.3.24 Omaha & Waterloo, NE | In Omaha, the team continued laundry services and completed over 35 loads of laundry. The team completed and returned all laundry before beginning their return trip to Cincinnati.
In Waterloo, the team distributed relief supplies including approximately 1,070 rolls of paper products, 125 personal care kits, 120 containers of disinfectant wipes, 90 bottles of insect repellent, 40 portable chargers, 30 first aid and safety kits, 15 boxes of diapers, 500 batteries, and cleanup tools
5.2.24 Bennington, NE and Marietta & Sulphur, OK | The team completed 88 loads of laundry and distributed supplies throughout Bennington, NE and Marietta and Sulphur, OK, consisting of approximately 5,900 rolls of paper products, 205 personal care kits, 120 first aid and safety kits, 36 bottles of insect repellant, 240 containers of disinfectant wipes, 155 portable chargers, 7,800 batteries and additional cleanup tools.
5.1.24 Blair, NE and Holdenville & Sulphur, OK | The team completed 42 loads of laundry and distributed supplies throughout Blair, NE and Holdenville and Sulphur, OK, consisting of approximately 5,500 rolls of paper products, 170 personal care kits, 105 first aid and safety kits, 25 boxes of diapers, 300 containers of disinfectant wipes, 400 portable chargers, 2,000 batteries and additional supplies such as insect repellant, chainsaws, drill kits, and other cleanup tools.
WAYS TO HELP
Matthew 25 is requesting donations of the following types of items to supplement existing supplies, for restocking during their response and for future disasters:
Monetary donations:
- Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (100% of donated funds designated for the 2024 Great Plains Tornadoes will be used for the purpose intended).
Product donations – The following items will be accepted at our facility located at 11083 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242:
- Cases of bottled water: 12 and 24 count
- Personal care products: Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, etc.
- Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves, etc.
- Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
- Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc.
- First-aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.
- Candles and flashlights: If necessary, please include the appropriate size batteries with any flashlight donation
- Clean-up supplies: Protective eyewear, work gloves, trash bags etc.
