UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 12:05 PM EST

Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to the powerful earthquakes that struck parts of Venezuela on June 24, causing significant damage and impacting communities across the region.

The earthquakes measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, striking within seconds of each other and marking one of the most powerful seismic events in the country’s recent history. Significant impacts have been reported in Caracas and surrounding regions, including La Guaira and Carabobo, with additional damage reported across multiple states. Communities experienced powerful tremors that led to collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure, widespread power outages, and ongoing safety concerns as aftershocks continue. More than 6,000 casualties and over 70,000 injuries have been attributed to the earthquakes with numbers expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.

Matthew 25: Ministries is responding with crucial relief supplies to support those impacted by the earthquakes. We have sent four truckloads of aid to Venezuela, with additional truckloads planned as needs continue to be identified. Relief supplies include personal care items, cleaning products, paper goods, and other critical necessities to assist individuals and families as they begin the recovery process. These items will be distributed through trusted partners on the ground to help ensure they reach affected communities as quickly as possible.

In addition to providing humanitarian aid, we are partnering with local Hispanic organizations to raise awareness of the ongoing needs in Venezuela and support relief efforts through donation drives and other initiatives.

“When earthquakes of this magnitude strike, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming for so many families,” said CEO Tim Mettey. “We are focused on responding quickly by sending critical supplies that can provide comfort and support in the days ahead. Even from a distance, we stand with those impacted and are committed to helping communities take the first steps forward.”

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 Venezuela Earthquakes 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:

Volunteering:

• Volunteers are essential to the work of Matthew 25: Ministries. If you are interested in volunteering at our facility in Blue Ash, OH please visit our volunteering page for more information on how to get involved.

Events:

Venezuela Earthquakes Benefit Collection Drive
Thursday, July 30  |  7 PM – 10 PM

Salsa on the Square at Fountain Square
520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Join us for a collection event benefiting Matthew 25’s Venezuela Earthquake relief efforts, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation. Bring new, unopened personal care item donations, or other items listed above in the ‘Product Donations’ section.

Can’t make it to the event or prefer to give another way? You can also support our response by making a donation online.
100% of donated funds designated for the Venezuela Earthquakes will be used for that intended purpose.

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2026 Venezuela Earthquakes may do so by writing “2026 Venezuela Earthquakes” 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 Venezuela Earthquakes will be used for the purpose intended.