Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — The Good Samaritan Shelter now has a new barbecue to feed the needy thanks to an Eagle Scout Project by Righetti freshman and Troop 95 Orcutt Boy Scout Alex Andrade.
The dedication and the first barbecue for more than 300 people is scheduled for noon on Saturday, May 11. Andrade started work last August and raised $1,500 and had the rest of the materials needed to build it donated.
It will help the shelter and other volunteer groups prepare about 3,000 meals each week, mostly with donated food.
“Mission complete,’’ Andrade said. “I hope everyone gets really full and happy. Like I said before, my family and I enjoy barbecue at home and it’s always a great family time. I hope this project creates the same experience for the less fortunate.’’
Good Sam Volunteer Outreach Coordinator David Bickham cannot wait.
“The barbecue is going to bring a sense of community and friendship,’’ Bickham said. “We are very excited.’’
Community Action Commission Kitchen Supervisor Corey Burkhardt, one of about 40 groups prepares food at the site, agreed.
“It going to be such a treat to provide a Santa Maria style meat to those in need in our community,’’ Burkhardt said.