AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center will host a Thanksgiving meal and turkey giveaway on Nov. 23 as local groups work to address food needs.

The non-profit, which marks nine years of operation this month, opens its doors throughout the week to provide food, clothes and hot meals to those in need.

The organization now serves more than 400 families weekly, growing from the 25 families it served when it first opened.

The first 300 people at the Nov. 23 event will receive a turkey to take home.

“We understand that the turkeys are expensive this year because groceries are elevated, and with the shutdown and SNAP benefits being delayed, we still want families to gather that week of Thanksgiving,” said Kellie Newman, executive director of Augusta Dream Center.

The organization is seeking donations to support the event. A $40 donation provides a turkey and fixings for one family. The center also needs winter items and turkey donations.

No registration is required to attend the event on Nov. 23 from 5 to 6 p.m.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Sen. John Ossoff is demanding answers from military health officials about reported plans to reduce services at Eisenhower Army Medical Center.

In a letter to the Defense Health Agency, Ossoff asked about potential cuts that could include closing inpatient, emergency room and operating room services at the Fort Gordon hospital.

The letter states hospital staff says Eisenhower currently serves 30,000 to 40,000 people.

The facility operates as a teaching hospital with 80 residents and employs about 1,500 people total.

Ossoff asked the Defense Health Agency specific questions about the facility’s future, including whether there are plans to reduce the scope of care and services offered at the hospital.

The senator also questioned whether leaders reviewed data to determine whether Augusta hospitals could absorb additional patients if cuts occurred.

The letter asks if the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., and the facility in Beaufort, S.C., are among those the Defense Health Agency is considering for service reductions.

Ossoff set a deadline of Nov. 28 for responses from the agency.

News 12 reached out to a spokeswoman for the post and got an automated reply to an email that stated, in part:

“Thank you for your note. As a result of a lapse in appropriations, I am out of the office. I will return to the office once appropriations are approved and I am informed to do so.”

We reached out to a higher-level public affairs address listed in the email and haven’t heard back.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta University held its Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday with performances and community support for local veterans.

The university’s wind ensemble performed to honor veterans, while community members spoke at the event. Resources were provided to help veterans know that support is available.

“The gratitude we have for veterans is something that can bring us together regardless of any other affiliation. We can always stand proud to be Americans and thank them for their service,” said Stefane Raulerson, the Director of Military and Veterans Services at Augusta University.

Tuesday’s celebration marked the second event of this type at Augusta University, partnering with the wind ensemble.

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