Mary Todd’s connection with Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) began like many others—in the wake of a disaster. It was during Hurricane Ian in September 2022 that she first heard about the organization through Volunteer Florida.
“We were personally very lucky due to the final turn that Ian took before landfall,” Mary recalls. “I wanted to help out my neighbors that weren’t so lucky a bit further south.”
As she scrolled through volunteering options, she assessed her skills.
“I couldn’t help repair a roof and shouldn’t use a chainsaw,” she decided. “I could, however, open a can of green beans and help feed some people.”
This simple desire to lend a hand led her to her first deployment with OBR in Port Charlotte, Florida, in October 2022.
Mary originally committed to just one day to see what the organization was like. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize she was in the right place.
“Less than an hour after I got there, I knew that I would be coming back,” she said.
She was impressed by the site’s organization and the sense of purpose shared by everyone.
“Seeing all of the people that had come in from across the country to help my community was very heartening. They welcomed the newcomers with open arms,” Mary said.
Since that initial experience, Mary has become a dedicated volunteer.
“Helping my fellow humans to have just a little bit of comfort and normalcy in the middle of tragedy and chaos is what really drives me,” Mary said. “Volunteering with OBR also helps to redeem my faith in mankind. Everybody shows up to a deployment site for the right reason—to help get food in the bellies of hungry people. All other agendas are left behind.”
Mary’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She was honored with OBR’s Motivational Award for 2024 and received the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award for her incredible effort of volunteering over 1,000 hours in 2024.
For those considering joining OBR, her advice is simple: “Do it. You don’t need to know anything about barbecue. There are plenty of jobs that don’t involve the smokers,” Mary said. “The main requirements are a desire to help people in their time of need and a touch of patience and flexibility.”
Looking back on her time with OBR, her favorite memories are those of communities coming together.
“I am often overwhelmed by the generosity of those who are willing to help others even when they themselves have been affected by the disaster,” she said.
Mary’s journey is a powerful example of how one person’s willingness to help can create a ripple effect of compassion and community.
To join Mary and the OBR volunteer family, download the “OBR Volunteers” smartphone app or register on our website here.
