Operation Breakfast

"A plate full of grace"

Hi All!

My name is Will Coyne and I am from Needham, Massachusetts. This Summer, my dad and I are driving to natural disaster sites to cook breakfast for people affected by disasters, as well as first responders and volunteers.

Over the last 5 years, my dad and I volunteered at the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, outside Boston, MA, by cooking dinner for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment at Boston area hospitals. In recent years, I have brought friends from school along to help with the dinner.  Through this experience, I learned the power of cooking someone a meal. Here are people who are suffering greatly; I believe that the last thing they should have to worry about is from where their next meal will come.

My experience at the Hope Lodge inspired me to think bigger and broader in how I could help other people who are experiencing tough times and came up with the idea for Operation Breakfast. This Summer, my father and I will drive to areas affected by natural disasters and make a meal for anyone who needs one. People who are displaced due to a natural disaster, whether it is from a hurricane, tornado, flood, or fire, have their lives turned upside down in a matter of hours. Often, there is no time to prepare.

We have rented a truck and camper and have outfitted it with the equipment we need to prepare and serve breakfast for whoever needs us. We are coordinating with local relief organizations to identify locations where extra hands are needed. With a portable griddle, tents, tables, and chairs, we can set up almost anywhere and whip up eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns and coffee. Our first stop is Van Buren, Missouri, population 700, which suffered floods this Spring and is just beginning to rebuild. We have connected with a relief organization there and will leave Needham on June 17. We have a number of areas where we plan to help across the South.

The motto at my school is “love God, work hard, and take good care of one another.” In a small way, I am trying to live that motto this Summer. Please keep us in your prayers as we head out on our adventure and thanks so much for your help!

Your donations will be used to get us and the food to these disaster sites and provide the meals for those in need. Each meal is around $6 per person.

Will Coyne