UPDATED WEDNESDAY, May 7, 2025 2:37 PM EST

Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, the second major hurricane to hit the Florida Gulf region within a three week span. Milton made landfall as a dangerous Category 3 storm on Wednesday, October 9, following closely after Hurricane Helene, which also devastated the area in late September. Hurricane-force winds of 100 MPH, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surge left over 3 million residents in the dark. Milton also spawned several tornadoes in the impacted areas, causing further widespread damage throughout the disaster region. These communities, still in the throes of recovering from Helene, faced even greater challenges as Milton deepened the hardship.

We are shipping aid to the hardest-hit areas in Milton’s path, committed to providing critical relief to those who have once again faced unimaginable devastation. We have sent over 17 shipments, delivering over 400,000 pounds of relief supplies to the affected communities. We will continue to stand with those impacted as they navigate the long road to recovery.

“This is a heartbreaking situation,” said Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries. “This is the third hurricane to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast area this year, causing additional damage to areas already trying to recover from Hurricane Helene, and impacting areas still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018. We are fortunate to have many committed, long-term partnerships in the affected areas, with whom we are working to bring hope and provide essential supplies to help impacted communities begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.” 

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 Hurricane Milton 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.

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2024 Hurricane Milton may do so by writing “2024 Hurricane Milton” 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 2024 Hurricane Milton will be used for the purpose intended.