AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta firefighters took on a five-alarm Reaper Challenge at Dave’s Hot Chicken Saturday, eating two Carolina Reaper tenders without a drink while also teaching the crowd about fire safety.

A portion of the competition’s proceeds will go toward smoke detectors for families in need.

Dustin Portillo, director of culture at Built Different Brands, said the event was about giving back to the community.

“Of course, we have Augusta’s finest out here, but really an incredible day with a huge give back to Augusta Fire,” Portillo said. “The men and women are out there busting their butts every single day. And if we can do a little bit of good in the community to give back to our families out there who really need it, man, that’s what it’s all about.”

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Worship Center held its seventh annual back-to-school giveaway Saturday, distributing backpacks filled with supplies to students ahead of the new school year.

Students who attended were also entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free laptop.

Jaidi Stephens, a missionary with the center, said the organization wants to be ready when families need help.

“We just want to do our best for those times — you never know when that time is going to hit — so we just want to be here for them for when that happens,” Stephens said.

Ashley Stephens, a minister and missionary with the center, also took part in the event.

The center said its goal is to address a growing need in the community. In addition to the annual backpack giveaway, the Augusta Worship Center operates a food pantry every Tuesday year-round.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Good Trouble Day, the anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis’ death, organizers gathered in Augusta for a community conversation about voting rights, election access and civic participation.

Among the topics discussed was educating people about their voting rights, including those impacted by the justice system.

Gayla Keesee, co-president of the League of Women Voters of the CSRA, said the issue came into focus for her during a recent conversation ahead of a primary election.

“We were talking just before the primary and trying to tell people, it’s early voting, get out and vote,” Keesee said. “And a young man said, ‘I can’t vote.’ And I said, ‘why not?’ He said, ‘I’ve got a felony.’ And I said, ‘are you off paper?’ And he went, ‘yes.’ And I said, ‘how long?’ ‘Eight years?’ I said, ‘we’ll register you today. You are eligible.’ He cried, because he never thought that he would be able to vote again.”