In 2011, life was good for Stan Hays. He was raising his family, working for Farmers Insurance and competing in BBQ competitions all around the country. That’s when an F5 tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri. Stan wanted to help but didn’t know how, so his wife suggested he gather all of his bbq buddies and go feed the Joplin community.

Now, Stan heads up Operation BBQ Relief, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served over 11 million meals in 47 states that have been hit with disasters ranging from tornadoes to wildfires. The organization also founded Camp Operation BBQ Relief in the Ozarks, a retreat space dedicated to military service members, veterans, and the families of fallen heroes who gather to heal through culinary therapy. Don’t miss this unbelievable story about giving back — not just to people you know, but to total strangers who become friends. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.