Operation BBQ Relief is in need of volunteers in Lake Charles.
The non-profit travels the world feeding people after natural disasters, and through The Always Serving Project, helps the homeless, first responders, veterans, and service men and women.
The organization is now deployed in Lake Charles to help people affected by Hurricane Laura. They served more than 370,000 meals after Hurricane Harvey, and hope to serve more than 200,000 meals in Southwest Louisiana.
If you are interested in volunteering, please do not self deploy. Download the Operation BBQ Relief app at your App Store or sign up to volunteer www.obr.org/volunteer
Operation BBQ Relief plans to provide hot, BBQ meals to families and first responders affected by Hurricane Laura. This is Operation BBQ Relief’s 69th deployment to support those affected by natural disasters since 2011, Last week the organization reached a milestone of serving its eight millionth meal.
While in Lake Charles, Operation BBQ Relief plans to serve upwards of 30,000 meals each day to affected families, first responders, and disaster relief volunteers. The organization has mobilized their Command Center, equipment, supplies, and food to share the healing power of BBQ in the days ahead.
“Barbeque is comfort food, and we are proud to bring some comfort to the people affected by Hurricane Laura and provide them with hope, compassion, and friendship as they work to put their lives back together,” said Stan Hays, Operation BBQ Relief CEO and Co-Founder.
Caring for people after a natural disaster with the added element of the COVID-19 pandemic takes additional measures of care and consideration to how Operation BBQ Relief serves those in need. Since the start of the pandemic, Operation BBQ Relief has implemented new health and food safety protocols as recommended by the CDC and local health departments.
“We work diligently with our volunteers and partners to follow all the recommended CDC and local health guidelines to keep everyone safe and as we serve our meals,” Hays said. “The health and safety of our volunteers and those we serve is our top priority.”
As a non-profit disaster relief organization, Operation BBQ Relief relies on corporate, civic, and personal contributions to ensure their efforts continue. Those interested in donating can do so at www.obr.org. The need for donations is greater now more than ever before due to the magnitude of Hurricane Laura and the COVID-19 crisis.
The organization was formed in May 2011 after the tornado hit Joplin, Missouri. Competitive pitmasters from eight different states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders. Together, they were able to serve over 120,000 meals in a thirteen-day period following the Joplin tornado. This experience of building a network to feed individuals in need has been the inspiration for Operation BBQ Relief.
