For many, the smell of woodsmoke and slow-cooked brisket evokes memories of backyard parties and summer holidays. For Mandy McCain, those scents represent something much deeper: a calling, a community, and a second family.
Mandy’s journey with Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) began in September 2022, born out of the wreckage of Hurricane Ian. While her own home, located just 90 minutes from the eye of the storm, was spared, Mandy couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to do more than just be grateful.
“I felt incredibly lucky to have escaped with minimal damage,” Mandy recalled. “That gratitude quickly turned into a strong desire to help.”
While searching for ways to support the recovery efforts, OBR caught her eye. The logic was simple and heartfelt:
“I love barbecue—and barbecue people are my kind of people,” Mandy said.
Within 48 hours of signing up, Mandy was on the ground in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Stepping into a disaster deployment is a trial by fire. With thousands of hot meals prepped, packed, and sent out daily, the scale of the operation can be overwhelming. But for Mandy, the intensity didn’t push her away; it pulled her in.
“From that moment on, I was hooked,” she said. “I knew I had found my purpose.”
Mandy credits her parents for her servant’s heart.
“They were incredible role models who taught me the importance of always showing up for others,” Mandy said.
At OBR, she found a group that shared those values. To Mandy, OBR isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a family. This sense of connection is so strong that leaving a deployment is often the hardest part of the job.
“Anytime I leave, I cry,” Mandy admits. “My heart knows there is always more to do, and I just never feel like I should go home.”
While Mandy has spent plenty of time on the front lines of disaster relief, some of her most profound moments have occurred at Camp OBR. Mandy has witnessed firsthand the Healing Power of BBQ and community.
She recalls a particularly moving experience working with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
“When the TAPS Young Adults group first arrived, the weight of grief and sadness was visible and deeply felt,” Mandy explains. “But by the end of camp, the change in each camper was undeniable. At another session, hearing the TAPS Moms share that they were excited to return home and start cooking for their families again was especially moving. Camp OBR is truly a place of miracles.”
For those sitting on the fence about volunteering, Mandy has a simple message: Just show up.
“You don’t need to be a grill master!” she said. “There’s always a role—from prepping food and washing pans to organizing supplies. The most valuable skill is simply showing up with heart.”
Mandy doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the work. The days are long—often “dark to dark”—and the physical toll is real. There are sore feet, aching knees, and tired hands. But in the quiet moments between the rush of service, there is a profound sense of fulfillment that outweighs any physical exhaustion.
“Knowing you’re making a difference in someone else’s life makes all the hard work worth it,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Inspired by Mandy’s story? We are always looking for people with a heart for service to join our OBR Volunteer family. Whether you’re a pitmaster or have never touched a grill, there is a place for you. To register, download the “OBR Volunteers” smartphone app or visit https://operationbbqrelief.org/volunteer/new-volunteers.
