1905 Tavern owner Anthony Rudkin recently put his culinary skills to good use as part of Operation Barbecue Relief, which provided food to those in need following devastating tornados that hit Mayfield, Kent., last month.

“A lot of companies and individuals came together to do their part,” said Rudkin, who has officially been a volunteer for about a year, and began helping following the Joplin tornado five years ago. “Six smokers were delivered on a 52-foot trailer and companies sent food.”

Rudkin was living in Joplin at the time that tornado hit and did what he could to help. 

Because of his background and experience, Rudkin was tasked to oversee prep and run the kitchen at Mayfield.

Hot-shot trucks were loaded with food and then set up in places where people had gathered for support. “We’d get a call for a number of meals and that’s what we delivered,” said Rudkin. “The people were shellshocked and just grateful to have something to eat. Some people hadn’t eaten anything but crackers for two days before we set up.”

Bulk deliveries were made to eight or nine locations in the zone, with Rudkin set up at a church about four miles outside town. Volunteers worked from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “We just put our heads down and did what needed to be done,” he said.

During the first day at Mayfield, Operation Barbecue Relief served about 3,500 meals, and averaged 12,000-15,000 meals per week, with 15,000 meals served on Christmas Day.

Rudkin also took food but that could only be given to volunteers, not the general public. “You have to go through channels to give food in this type of operation,” he explained.

Rudkin spent a week immediately after the Dec. 12 tornados ripped through the Midwest and intended to return after Christmas. Instead, he met a hot-truck at St. James and transferred supplies collected at Freeburg, including Christmas gifts, coats, clothing, cash, and 10 $20 gift cards.

“I appreciate the support shown here at home,” said Rudkin. “This really hits home. You don’t think it means much until you get down there and see the destruction and the people in need.”