Page 17 - Barbecue News Magazine August 2020
P. 17

 It has been over 3 months since Operation BBQ Relief began re- sponding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our leadership team knew that we were going up against odds with shortages of volunteers, struggles in the economy, high rates of unemployment, and shel- ter only orders in place throughout the country. Despite these challenges, the Operation BBQ Relief family pushed through and has served 4,436,345 meals. While the numbers seem astronomi- cal, it pales in comparison to the comfort and friendships formed in each community that Operation BBQ Relief has served.
Front line workers felt recharged after re- ceiving hot BBQ meals during their lunch breaks. Students are fed healthy meals after having their school closed abruptly in March. The elderly and individuals with disabilities faced a new level of isolation but felt loved after receiving meals on their doorsteps. Homeless veterans were fed by Operation BBQ Relief even when their ex- isting meal programs were shut down. Families who faced new challenges of un- employment experienced feelings of relief after receiving meals from Operation BBQ Relief.
A mother in Pennsylvania wrote to Opera- tion BBQ Relief and shared the following note, "My family fell on hard times due to COVID-19 and we were given two of your dinners. I want to tell you they were as good, if not better, than homemade and de- licious! Thank you for all you folks are doing for us. I know my family of 8 appreci- ates it!"
Operation BBQ Relief will continue to re- spond to the pandemic as we have discus- sions with groups in Colorado, California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Navajo Nation. We are grateful for the support we have re- ceived throughout the country.
A few days before Operation BBQ Relief began responding to the pandemic, I came across this quote from Mr. Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
I want to take the time to thank all the “helpers” that continue to jump through
hoops to support Operation BBQ Relief in our efforts to connect, inspire, serve, educate, and feed families and communities in need. It is because of the helpers that we have been able to serve over 7 million meals since 2011.
Thank you!
Our best to you and your families. Stay Hays
From The Heart
A Message from the CEO
 AUGUST 2020
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