Augusta, GA
Back-to-school drives make the difference for Augusta families
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s a little over a week from kids going back to school in Richmond and Columbia County.
With the new school year approaching, backpacks and school supplies are in high demand for many families.
RISE Augusta and Smile for Shay Foundation partnered up for the annual Back to School at The Hub & Books for Shay Event at The Hub for Community Innovation on Saturday.
It’s one of several community efforts to help gear up kids for school while also providing resources like literacy booths, after-school resources and free health screenings.
Parents like Melissa King said these efforts all make a difference for her kids and many others.
”When we were younger, we didn’t have back to school bashes all the time, there wasn’t enough in the community for those kinds of things for children to come to things like this and get the supplies they needed, or to even help them in general,” said King.
King said she relies on community back to school events to make sure she has enough supplies to support her kids through the school year.
”Sometimes supplies can be over 150 bucks, just depending on the location that you go to, and the supplies requested by the teachers in the schools throughout the year,” said King.
Event organizers and volunteers said well over 1,000 people came out on Saturday to enjoy the resources brought. They said the event really showcases the real want and need for community support in Augusta.
“The rising cost of what parents and families have to purchase for school just continues to go up. Anything we can do to help them get them started. We are also committed to making sure we provide supplies throughout the year because we know they run out,” said Betsy VanDeusen, AU Literacy Center.
New to Back to School at The Hub is the addition of the Books for Shay Event.
It’s one of several efforts from the Smile for Shay organization. The non-profit organization was created by the family of Shaylin Foster. She was a student at Grovetown High School when she was killed in a car accident in 2018.
One of her main passions was reading books. In honor of Shaylin, the Foster family gives back through donated books every year. Donated books from Smile for Shay were given out throughout the event for families to pick up.
The event started at 10:00 a.m. and finished at 1:00 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Evans, GA – Mr. Mark Watson Sullivan born September 28, 1960 went home to be with his loving Savior on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was the loving husband of 47 years to Robin Miller Sullivan and the loving son of the late C.M. “Jimmie” Sullivan and Barbara Widener Sullivan. He was also the brother of the late Lynn Charles Sullivan.
A native of Augusta, Mark retired from Procter & Gamble and later founded Sul-Tac, LLC that allowed him to pursue his passion. He was a devoted husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather, known affectionately as “Pop,” who found great joy spending time with his family. Mark was quiet by nature, but exhibited a surprisingly contagious sense of humor. He held the virtues of wisdom, patience, and gentle strength. He instilled in his family the values of faith, integrity, and compassion leaving a legacy that will continue through their lives.
A Godly man at heart, Mark’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He lived with humility, served others selflessly, and carried a quiet strength that inspired all who knew him. He was a faithful servant of God and his life reflected his deep trust in God and his desire to walk in righteousness. Mark was a lifetime member of Warren Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.
In addition to his wife, Mark is survived by his children: Wes (Ashlee) Sullivan, Marshall (Caroline) Sullivan, and Callie Sullivan; his grandchildren: Tyse Kellen Sullivan, Mila Reese Sullivan, Hendrix Lee Sullivan; his sister: Gail Sullivan Hawkins and husband Gene; and his niece: Susan Hawkins Reeder and husband Chris.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:30 A.M. in the Worship Center at Warren Church with Dr. David McKinley officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. A private burial will follow in Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Larry Lynn, Rusty Marshall, Clay Ghann, Tony Tanner, Terry Mullenix, and Keith Beckworth. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons at Warren Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Warren Life Foundation, 3203 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30907, https://warren.church/life-foundation/.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department partnered with Lucid Diagnostics to support firefighters’ health in relation to esophageal cancer through preventative screenings this month.
According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, firefighters have a 62% greater risk of developing Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.
The screenings will take place Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Locations include:
- Augusta Fire Department Station 2: 928 Telfair Street
- Augusta Fire Department Station 20: 2820 Old Highway 1
“Firefighters train to face the heat, but their greatest shield is their own health. Every workout, every check‑up, every moment invested in wellness is another promise that they’ll make it home after the call,” said Augusta Fire Department Chief Antonio Burden.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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