‘A need out there’: Local groups help fight holiday hunger
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Tuesday, the T.W. Josey class of 1994 hosted one of the area’s biggest holiday feeding events.
They came together, showing when it was needed most.
“This year is definitely more important to me, because the hurricane impacted everybody, not just people who have a little bit more money, but it affected everybody,” said Shonta Bradley, coordinator for Feed the Community. “I think it brought the community together, people were helping people a little bit differently. People were reaching out to each other, so this is just another added layer to that of giving.”
At the event, they gave out free meals, drinks, toiletries and clothes.
“I think there’s a need out here,” said Sharmin Daniels, a T.W. Josey alumni. ‘A lot of people won’t open up to ask for help, so if they see you smiling, faces welcoming you, they, come get something. They feel like, okay, nobody’s judging me. So many people judge when people need help, even people who have needed help.”
They are doing everything they can to make sure everyone can celebrate this Thanksgiving.
Salvation Army preps to feed those still recovering from Helene
If you are still recovering from Helene and struggling to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table, the Salvation Army is gearing up to feed those in need.
“We have, a lot of underprivileged, you know, this is a neighborhood that we have a lack of maybe resources and that kind of thing,” said Bradley “So this thing, again, even if it looks like a small entity, it is huge for the community.”
Behind the scenes there are days of hard work, cooking, preparing and packing up meals, but they say it is worth it to give back to the community.
“We don’t know what’s going on at home,” said Bradley. We don’t know what need it is. We want to show everybody love.”
The need isn’t always visible.
“I actually came back to take some plates back to the hospital where I work,” said Megan Dusabllen, who attended the event.”It’s not only for poor people, everybody can engage in this activity. It’s awesome.”
They say it’s about feeling thankful for what you have while helping give others what they need.
“To lessen their burden and lessen what stresses they have of trying to get themselves back together,” said Daniels. “If I can give them a shirt, a pair of pants, my cousins, she’s giving out essentials. Every little thing helps.”
This was their 15th annual Feed the Community event, serving thousands of people each year.
DSS announces second phase of DSNAP in-person events
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved several counties for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistance after Hurricane Helene.
Also on Tuesday afternoon was the New Ellenton Thanksgiving feast.
That was held at the New Ellenton Community Center on Pine Hill Avenue.
It’s a drive-thru event with prepared plates that will be handed out. It’s sponsored by New Zion Branch ministries and Four Mile Missionary Baptist Church.
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