Augusta Students Unite to Support Community in Wake of Hurricane Helene

Augusta Community Rallies Together After Hurricane Helene

The city of Augusta is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and it’s fair to say the storm has really shaken things up. Three third-year undergraduate students from Augusta University—Siri Jangam, Arya Ranchod, and Sreya Durvasula—found themselves in disbelief at the extent of the destruction caused by the hurricane. They made the trip back home to Atlanta just the night before the storm was expected to hit, thinking they’d missed the worst of it. But the morning after the storm, as they tried to reconnect with friends who had stayed behind, they were stunned by what they saw online.

A Shocking Revelation

“No one was prepared for the power outages or the lack of food,” Jangam shared. It was a shocking realization for the trio, especially when they caught a glimpse of the devastation faced by their beloved campus. They had left ****what seemed to be a normal scene**** back in Augusta, only to see images of broken trees and widespread power outages that painted a different picture entirely. “It was scary to think something like this just hit here,” Jangam continued. Durvasula and Ranchod echoed Jangam’s sentiments, explaining that while the city often received weather warnings, actual storms like this were quite rare.

Taking Action

Grateful for their safety, the three students felt an overwhelming urge to help their adopted community in Augusta. They teamed up with several high schools in the Atlanta area to start a collection of essential items to donate to those affected by the hurricane. For one whole week, they put in the effort to gather items like non-perishable food, bottled water, feminine products, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies. With their hard work, they managed to gather an impressive 200 pounds of supplies and raised over $300, which they used to purchase more needed items.

Making a Difference

On Oct. 17 and 22, the dedicated group distributed the collected items at the Bank of America Plaza located on the Health Sciences Campus. And in a generous gesture, all remaining items were donated to AU’s Open Paws Food Pantry, making sure nothing went to waste. Durvasula expressed these emotions vividly: “Seeing the storm hit a place we’ve called home for the past three years was scary. The impact will take a while to recuperate from.” She, along with her friends, realized that any help offered in the short term could set a positive tone for recovery down the road.

A Community Connected

The three students have even managed to share their experiences through a podcast called “Off the Rails,” where they discuss not just their adventures but also the challenges that come with college life. They were inspired by Augusta University President Russell T. Keen, who emphasized the importance of coming together as a community in trying times. Their donation drive serves as their way of giving back to a community that has warmly embraced them over their time in Augusta.

Ranchod summed up the sentiments perfectly, saying, “We were like, ‘What can we do to help?’” Their motivation stemmed from witnessing the struggles faced by so many. People were having trouble getting home, and those who returned were still grappling with the storm’s ongoing effects. It’s not just about the physical items they collected; it’s about uplifting everyone who has been affected.

Grateful Hearts

“It’s a privilege to be able to give back; I know so many people that were affected,” Jangam remarked, emphasizing the genuine concern the trio felt for their friends, classmates, and professors caught in the storm’s path. The camaraderie they displayed showcases how communities can band together, proving that even amid challenges, a little assistance goes a long way. With each small act of kindness, they are dedicated to helping rebuild their community, one step at a time.