AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – With just two days left, the Salvation Army of Augusta’s 2025 Red Kettle Campaign is still $50,000 short of its goal.

The organization is calling on the community to come forward and fill that gap.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing critical funding that sustains programs and services throughout the year.

Every donation made — whether at a physical Red Kettle or online — stays local, directly supporting neighbors in need across the Augusta area.

Funds raised through the campaign support essential services at the Center of Hope emergency overnight shelter, where approximately 200 meals are served daily through the soup kitchen.

In the past four years, caseworkers at the Center of Hope have helped more than 400 individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing.

In addition, The Salvation Army’s rent and utility assistance program has helped over 900 residents in the past year alone keep their lights on and remain housed — preventing homelessness before it begins.

“As we enter these final days, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity we’ve already seen, and we know this community will rise to the occasion once again,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Salvation Army area commander. “These last two days are critical. Every gift — large or small — directly impacts families who rely on The Salvation Army not just during the holidays, but all year long.”

Community members can still give in person at Red Kettles located at participating stores throughout the Augusta area. For those who prefer to give digitally, each kettle features a QR code for easy, cashless donations. Online gifts can also be made at any time through the Virtual Red Kettle at donateaugusta.org.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

by: Bebee S. Ledger

Posted: Dec 21, 2025 / 06:59 PM EST

Updated: Dec 21, 2025 / 06:59 PM EST

Augusta, Ga (WJBF)– The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

According to RCSO, Hudson was last seen on the 3500 Block of Peach Orchard Road at 5:00pm this evening wearing a red shirt and black shorts.

Hudson suffers from Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

Anyone that comes in contact with Nia Hudson or has any information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact any on call investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1085 or 706-821-1020.

Nia Hudson: 27 years old, 216 pounds, 5’06”

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Coast Guard and McIntosh County Fire Department continued searching Friday for an Augusta man who went missing off the Georgia coast, as a body was found Thursday.

Roman Waldera’s daughter spoke about the last conversation she had with her father before he disappeared while fishing.

“I actually spoke to my dad in the morning he went missing. We talked back and forth a little bit and then he told me, well, I’m on the boat. I’ve got to get going. We’re going to start fishing. And I was like, all right, we’ll be careful. I love you,” she said.

The Coast Guard called her after Waldera went missing.

“After we got the call, my first goal was to get down there and start searching the island of Blackbeard,” she said.

Community joins search efforts

Shellman’s Fish Camp and other local boat owners joined the search in Sapelo Sound.

“I mean, everybody in the area who had a boat, they were on the sound, and it ended up, I was coordinating with the Coast Guard this whole time,” Waldera’s daughter said.

She said her father’s teachings motivated her to take action.

“So my dad raised me and my grandparents to get it done. Don’t wait around. Don’t sit around. Don’t wait for someone else to do the work. If someone’s going to make it happen, it’s going to be you. And I just, I thought, what would my dad want? He’d want me down there and he would want me looking,” she said.

She described what she would do if reunited with her father.

“I think I just hugged him. I think he just hugged me because I think he knows that I was down there. I was all alone doing that, looking for him all day long. I slept in his room. I think he knows. I think he knows everything, and I don’t think there need to be any words. I think we just love each other,” she said.

The Coast Guard asks anyone with information about the disappearance to call 843-453-1261. Officials said crews not part of the official search can create unsafe conditions and hinder response efforts.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.