Augusta Comes Together: Volunteering to Support Community Needs
On a bright and sunny Thursday in Augusta, with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 75°F, the spirit of community was alive and well. The calm winds were a perfect backdrop as future business leaders from around the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) joined forces to lend a hand to those affected by the recent storms, specifically Hurricane Helene.
Organized by Leadership Augusta, this dedicated group of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help out at the community hub in the heart of Augusta. They were part of a sizable operation bringing together over 200 volunteers each day to assist those in need. Attendees of this event worked tirelessly, distributing essential items like fresh produce, bottled water, and various household necessities through a drive-thru setup.
A Community United
We caught up with some of the volunteers from the Leadership Augusta Class of 2025, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Al Dallas, a member of the class, expressed just how fulfilling these efforts can be. “Seeing Augusta and our community giving back and kind of being the great community that we know it is certainly an awesome thing,” he shared, embodying the collective spirit of service that filled the air.
The roots of this incredible initiative go back to the Augusta Chamber of Commerce, which created the Leadership program to foster networking and relationships among aspiring business leaders. Now, these future leaders are putting those connections to work, actively making a difference in the lives of residents facing tough times.
Acknowledging the Efforts
Even the city’s leadership took notice of the incredible work being done. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson was on the scene, expressing his gratitude for the volunteers’ hard work. “I continue to be excited about the volunteer effort that’s happening all throughout our city. I just happened to be down at the hub today, where Leadership Augusta is offering themselves up to help hand out some of the most essential needs for our residents,” he said with pride, highlighting the unity within the community.
Voices from the Community
The families who received assistance couldn’t help but share their appreciation as well. Dorothy Aaron, a resident in need, echoed heartfelt thanks: “I thank God for the people of Augusta. And they’re serving us because I didn’t have anything.” It’s these moments that remind us of the impact of coming together as a community. The smiles were genuinely infectious, serving as a reminder of how important it is to support one another.
The camaraderie didn’t stop there. Katie Berube, another volunteer from the Class of 2025, reflected on the rewarding experience, saying, “To know that I can help somebody else smile a little bit today, no matter what their day looks like, we can bring some extra smiles to their faces.” Her words captured the heartwarming essence of the initiative.
Continuing the Effort
For those who wish to participate, the drive-thru distribution event is set to continue through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm. After this busy weekend, any leftover produce and supplies will be donated to local food banks, churches, and various community organizations to ensure nothing goes to waste.
It’s days like these that showcase the resilient spirit of Augusta. The collaboration between local leaders, volunteers, and residents creates a brighter future for everyone involved. As the sun shined brightly over the hub, it was a perfect reminder of the warmth and love that our community continues to share.
