Showing Up When It Matters Most: Leslie’s Story of Disaster Recovery and Gratitude

For generations, P&G has supported communities in times of crisis through the P&G Disaster Relief Program. Together with our longstanding partners like Matthew 25: Ministries, we provide essential products and services when they’re needed most, helping restore comfort, hope, and a sense of normalcy to communities facing unexpected challenges.

Behind every disaster response is a personal story of resilience and recovery. This is Leslie's.

Leslie, a resident of Ripley, Mississippi, saw his daily life turn upside down when a severe winter storm swept through his community. Living alone in a remote area, he faced significant challenges as temperatures plummeted. "It felt like living in your freezer," Leslie recalled, describing how his home dipped below freezing. Without electricity, heat, or running water, access to even the most basic daily essentials became difficult. "I couldn't even shower for days," he shared, a stark reminder of the importance of everyday comforts of home in the aftermath of a disaster.

During this difficult time, support arrived. Friends and neighbors cleared trees that had fallen in front of his driveway, allowing him to leave home. Local community organizations provided heat and food. And P&G and Matthew 25: Ministries offered critical everyday services such as mobile shower trailers stocked with health and hygiene supplies from trusted P&G brands like Head & Shoulders and Oral-B, as well as clean clothes through our Tide Loads of Hope program. “It was a wonderful feeling of fellowship,” Leslie remembers. “I can’t describe how it feels to be rescued.”

The support provided by P&G and Matthew 25: Ministries represented more than access to daily essential products and services – it was a moment of deep relief. The ability to refresh and regain a sense of routine and personal dignity provided not only practical aid, but also emotional comfort.

From Experience to Impact: A Visit to Matthew 25: Ministries

Leslie's experience with the P&G Disaster Relief Program didn't end in Ripley. Recently, he was invited to visit the Matthew 25: Ministries headquarters in Blue Ash, Ohio. The visit offered an opportunity for him to witness firsthand the people, partnerships, and preparation behind the support that had directly impacted his life.

During his visit, Leslie had the chance to reconnect with the Matthew 25: Ministries team members who had been on the ground in Ripley, providing help and support when it was needed most. Their reunion was especially poignant and emotional for Leslie, who expressed immense gratitude to the team. In addition to reconnecting with the people who came to his aid, he learned about the history of Matthew 25 and the organization's partnership with P&G, as well as toured the Matthew 25 warehouse and relief vehicles, including the Tide Loads of Hope and shower trailers.

A particularly meaningful moment was joining P&G volunteers in a care kit-packing activity. Leslie had the opportunity to pay forward the support he received, packing essential items from trusted P&G brands like Gillette, Olay, and Head & Shoulders and writing personal notes of encouragement for others who may be facing similar challenges. This full-circle experience — from receiving support to helping others — was one Leslie says he will always remember.

From Leslie’s Community to Communities Around the World

Leslie’s story, while deeply personal, also reflects the larger legacy, scale, and impact of the broader P&G Disaster Relief Program. He is one of many whose lives have been touched through these efforts in communities where we live, work, and serve around the world.

In times of crisis, every day essential products and services, like those provided by our P&G brands, can make an immeasurable difference. The simple act of providing clean water, health and hygiene products, and access to critical services like showers and laundry, helps families begin to regain their footing — restoring comfort and normalcy and helping make the path back to everyday life a bit easier.

Our longstanding partnership with Matthew 25: Ministries reflects our ongoing shared commitment to supporting communities in times of need. Together, we’ll continue to show up when it matters most, helping individuals and families while they take the first steps toward recovery.