UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025 11:10 AM EST

Devastating tornadoes swept through Missouri and Kentucky from Friday, May 16 into Saturday, May 17. Hard hit areas include the St. Louis area and cities in Laurel and Polaski County, Kentucky, including Somerset and London. The storm resulted in at least 27 fatalities in both states combined, numerous injuries, and widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Power outages affected over 100,000 residents at the height of the storm, and public transportation services were disrupted.

In partnership with Procter & Gamble and Walmart, on Sunday May 18, Matthew 25: Ministries deployed their Disaster Response Team to the affected areas to provide essential services and supplies to impacted communities. Deployment services included laundry via the Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Units, offering free laundry services to households where lives have been disrupted by the disaster, and shower and restroom trailers. Additionally, Matthew 25: Ministries deployed the Duracell PowerForward truck, equipped with device charging stations and loaded with batteries to help provide community members with the resources they need to power essential devices. Matthew 25 also distributed critical relief supplies such as personal care and hygiene products, cleaning items, first aid kits, tarps, and batteries throughout impacted communities.

We will continue to work with our partners in the disaster region to support relief efforts for as long as the need remains. So far, we have shipped over 10 truckloads, totaling over 180,000 pounds of essential aid to those impacted.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones or have been impacted by these storms and tornadoes. We will work hard to give hope to those in need by providing essential supplies and services.” Tim Mettey, Mattthew 25: Ministries CEO

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2025 Midwest Tornadoes may do so by writing “2025 Midwest Tornadoes” 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 2025 Midwest Tornadoes will be used for the purpose intended.