Augusta, GA
CSRA back-to-school drives help families prepare, save money
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are just days away from the first day of school and there’s several school supply drives this weekend to make sure your kids have what they need.
On Saturday, the 9th annual Back to School drive and community resource fair will return at Aiken Tech from 9 a.m. to noon.
In Edgefield County, there’s a drive at Bettis Academy Park in Trenton from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments and an ice cream truck will also be there.
In Augusta, the Hawk Law Group is hosting a bookbag bash at the Bell Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be free family entertainment, including costume characters meet and greets, bouncy house rides and more. The goal is to equip 1,000 students in the Augusta area with the school supplies they need to succeed.
Then the Hand-n-Hand community and wellness center will host an event in ridge spring from 11 to 3 p.m.
New Beginning Baptist Church and Laili’s Beauty Salon in Aiken will have free school supplies and refreshments from noon to 4 p.m.
School supply collection drives to gather much needed items as students prepare to go back to school. The school supplies collected will be distributed to local students in need in Richmond, Columbia, Burke, and surrounding counties in the CSRA.
On Sunday, the United Way of the CSRA is hosting a drive at SRP Park from 4:05 until 7 p.m. School supply collection drives to gather much needed items as students prepare to go back to school.

The school supplies collected will be distributed to local students in need in Richmond, Columbia, Burke, and surrounding counties in the CSRA.
They will also be hosting two drives in Augusta on July 19.
The first will be from 7 to 8 a.m. at ADP, located at One ADP Drive. The second will be from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad Street.
On July 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Walmart in Waynesboro, 1500 N. Liberty Street.
A lot of choices for parents this weekend to stock up on what we know can expensive items.
Back to School events
Get ready to soak up the last little bit of summer at the Back to School Splash Bash at Smith-Hazel Pool on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We will keep you updated as we learn about upcoming drives and events.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Geoff Duncan campaigns in Augusta ahead of Election Day
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
Augusta, GA
Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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