UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026 12:55 PM EST

Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that swept across portions of the Midwest on June 11, causing significant damage across Illinois, Indiana, and surrounding states. The severe weather outbreak produced multiple tornadoes, destructive winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall, leaving a trail of damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure throughout the region. Communities including Streator, Illinois, experienced extensive storm damage, while other areas across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana continue to assess impacts from the fast-moving storm system. Thousands of residents have been affected by power outages, downed trees, damaged structures, and debris-covered roadways as recovery efforts begin.

In response, Matthew 25: Ministries is deploying our Disaster Response Team to assist communities impacted by the storms. The team is expected to operate in Streator, Illinois, and Merrillville, Indiana, while also serving surrounding communities as needs are identified. Matthew 25 will distribute essential relief supplies to individuals and families affected by the severe weather including personal care items, cleaning products, paper goods, Duracell batteries, Cintas first aid and safety kits, and other essential necessities to support those beginning the recovery process.

Additional shipments of aid are being prepared and will be deployed as damage assessments continue, and community needs are identified throughout the affected areas.

“When disaster impacts a community, the needs can be immediate and overwhelming,” said CEO Tim Mettey. “Our goal is to get essential supplies into the hands of families as quickly as possible while standing alongside local partners and residents throughout the recovery process. We want those affected by these storms to know they have not been forgotten.”

PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION

6.13 – 6.14.26 Streator, IL | Our Disaster Response Team delivered urgent relief supplies and cleanup equipment to communities impacted by recent tornadoes.

Distribution: Approximately 1,900 rolls of toilet paper, 1,500 rolls of paper towels, 250 P&G Personal Care Kits, 40 Cintas First Aid and Safety Kits, 30 boxes of diapers, 115 bags of Tide Pods, 340 Duracell batteries, and 40 Duracell power banks distributed. In addition, the team provided cleanup tools and equipment, including 3 generators, 4 chainsaws, and 4 impact driver/drill combo kits.

PARTNER	SERVICE	LOCATION	DATE	TIME
	Free relief supplies, cleanup supplies, and batteries and chargers	The team will distribute supplies throughout the Merrillville, Indiana area.	6.15.26	Throughout the day

WAYS TO HELP

• Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (100% of donated funds designated for the 2026 June Midwest Tornado Outbreak will be used for the purpose intended).

• 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.

Additional Donation Drop-Off Locations:

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2026 June Midwest Tornado Outbreak may do so by writing “2026 June Midwest Tornado Outbreak” in the memo line of their check or by typing it in the “Additional Information” field of the online giving form. Please mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242. 100% of donated funds designated for the 2026 June Midwest Tornado Outbreak will be used for the purpose intended.