One of the Strongest Earthquakes in the Region in More Than 100 Years Causes Widespread Death and Destruction

FEBRUARY 7, 2023  Blue Ash, OH – Matthew 25: Ministries, a humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization headquartered in Blue Ash, OH is responding to the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Syria and Turkey early Monday local time. A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, was followed by an additional 7.5 magnitude quake and multiple aftershocks, collapsing thousands of buildings and killing more than 5,000 people so far, with tens of thousands more injured. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.

Matthew 25 is responding by shipping supplies to partners working in the affected areas to help meet the critical needs of people impacted by the earthquakes, including medical supplies, personal care items, clothing, blankets, and more. Matthew 25 has been providing aid to the region for decades, and is able to utilize existing partnerships to get supplies into affected areas quickly and efficiently. These supplies help to provide hope and help in times of great need.

“This is a disaster that will take years to recover from,” says CEO Tim Mettey. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who have died or been injured as a result of this disaster and those who are missing. Matthew 25 will continue to work with partners in the area to respond to the most urgent and ongoing needs of those impacted. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Turkey and Syria during this time of desperate need.”

Matthew 25 is requesting monetary and product donations of the following types of items to supplement existing supplies, for restocking during their response to the earthquakes 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 earthquakes in Syria and Turkey will be used for the purpose intended).

Product donations:

• 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.

Matthew 25 responds to disasters domestically and internationally and provides both rapid response and long-term support to areas impacted by disaster. In 2022, Matthew 25 responded to numerous disasters including Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, flooding in Pakistan, and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and is continuing to provide long-term disaster recovery to several 2021 disasters. Already in 2023, Matthew 25: Ministries has shipped nearly 3 million pounds (over 140 truckloads) of humanitarian aid and disaster relief throughout the United States and worldwide and helped approximately 3.5 million people. These shipments included aid in response to the tornadoes across the south and flooding in California.

For the most current information on Matthew 25: Ministries’ activities, please visit their website https://m25m.org/disaster/febquakes23 or follow Matthew 25 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/m25m.org, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m25m_org/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/M25M_org. For more in-depth information about Matthew 25: Ministries’ humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, please contact Michelle Jones mjones@m25m.org.

Matthew 25: Ministries accepts cash, check, credit card and online donations for ongoing humanitarian aid and disaster relief programs, as well as product donation support. Matthew 25 also welcomes volunteers six days a week at their Blue Ash facility.

ABOUT MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES: Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses approximately 15,000,000 pounds of products each year and redistributes them to the poorest of the poor and disaster victims. Each year, Matthew 25: Ministries impacts the lives of more than 20,000,000 individuals throughout the United States and around the world. Matthew 25 is included on Forbes’ 2022 list of America’s Top 100 Charities, is a 4-star nonprofit on Charity Navigator and has earned a Platinum-Level Candid Exchange seal. Matthew 25: Ministries is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the “Wise Giving Alliance Standards.” For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Michelle Jones mjones@m25m.org at Matthew 25: Ministries (513) 793-6256, or visit https://m25m.org/.