Augusta Residents Rally Together After Hurricane Helene
In the heart of Augusta, a warm and supportive atmosphere is blooming, especially at The Master’s Table. On a Thursday that felt tender yet hopeful, many gathered at this nonprofit kitchen dedicated to feeding those in need. Among them was Jay Aiken, a 62-year-old man whose journey is a poignant reminder of resilience amid hardship.
Jay, who recently traveled from Savannah, found himself homeless after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on his makeshift home, destroying both his truck and the shack he called shelter. Just as he bravely faced his challenges, he found solace in a comforting meal at The Master’s Table. “With a second serving, I’ve got enough to tide me over for the day,” he shared, indicating how a good meal can be a lifeline in difficult times.
Community Support Shines
While Jay is uncertain about what the future holds, he still has aspirations of continuing with the street ministry he began several years ago. It’s this kind of spirit that is palpable at The Master’s Table, where the community truly comes together to uplift one another.
LaDonna Doleman, the manager of The Master’s Table, painted a picture of the rise in need due to the hurricane. “The first week after the storm, we fed around 100 people a day. The following week, that number jumped to about 150, and now we are serving 225 to 250 people daily.” It’s a staggering increase, showing just how vital this resource is for those impacted by the storm. For those who arrive early, there’s even the provision of a second plate to take home, ensuring that no one is left without food later in the day. “We are here to serve,” LaDonna emphasized. “No one goes unfed.”
Facing Challenges
However, it hasn’t been easy. The storm caused significant damage, destroying stored food and impacting the homes of many volunteers and staff members as well. “We were part of the loss, too,” LaDonna remarked, a sober reminder of how interconnected the community is.
The Master’s Table is part of a larger organization known as Golden Harvest Food Bank, which collaborates with multiple agencies and services to combat hunger. The effects of Hurricane Helene also impacted Golden Harvest, forcing it to close for several days. Volunteer Tamara Holland expressed her worries during the closure, stating, “You worry about what happened to them. It was such a relief to come back and find out everyone was OK.” The heartwarming connections forged in such tough times remind us all of the strength of community ties.
Addressing Food Insecurity
The fallout from the hurricane has also affected donations. Abby Muehlfeld, the vice-president for marketing at Golden Harvest, shared concerning trends. “Donations are down because everyone is struggling. We considered cancelling our biggest fundraiser, ‘It’s Spooky to be Hungry.’ But we decided to continue with it, just delayed the start.” She noted that now more than ever, the community must rally together as food insecurity has hit record levels. “In the Augusta area, we’ve seen the highest level of food insecurity in 15 years. One in four children is experiencing food insecurity,” she revealed. “It’s really bad.”
How to Get Involved
For those who want to help out, **monetary donations are encouraged**. Abby mentioned that through their established relationships with food distributors, a donation of, say, $50 can purchase significantly more food than if donated in goods. “Every bit helps,” she affirmed.
To find out more about how to support the cause, you can explore possibilities online or through social media. The community of Augusta is extending an open hand, and every contribution counts as they navigate these challenging times together.
