AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta held its annual free Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, with volunteers taking time away from their families to serve those in need.

The organization estimated serving nearly 200 plates during the event, which brought together volunteers and community members in the Salvation Army dining hall.

Volunteers give back to community

Samuel Quiroz, a chef who volunteered for the event, said the opportunity to give back was a blessing.

“I’m a chef and a chef always has somewhere to go on Thanksgiving, so I called around and the Salvation Army always needs some help, so I gave my time,” Quiroz said.

Randall Mathis, a military veteran who volunteered, said the experience was an extension of his service.

“I was in the military and I’ve always volunteered, so it was just an extension of my military service,” Mathis said. “It’s the best feeling in the world for giving back and meeting people of their needs.”

Personal connection drives service

Bobby Johnson, the Salvation Army’s lead cook, said his own experience receiving help motivated him to serve others.

“At one point, I have been out there in that line, like 30 something years ago, getting that meal too. When I saw the opportunity, I wanted to take it and you know, give back,” Johnson said.

Johnson credited the volunteers for making the dinner possible.

“They are the one that actually makes this what it is because they come in and they willing to give their time and their service for nothing,” Johnson said.

Community spirit on display

Quiroz said the event embodied the spirit of Thanksgiving through community service.

“Thanksgiving is about having a sense of community coming together and appreciating what we do have and what I had and what these people had today was some time to make sure people had some food on their bellies, which is a luxury I feel like a lot of people take advantage of these days,” Quiroz said.

Mathis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, saying “Thank God for an opportunity to serve.”

The Salvation Army continues to seek volunteers and donations as the holiday season approaches to ensure community needs are met.

To donate or find ways to volunteer, visit their website.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is preparing to serve its annual free Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, with leaders expecting more people than ever to attend.

The Salvation Army Center of Hope serves meals 365 days a year, but Thursday’s Thanksgiving dinner holds special significance for the organization and the community it serves.

“If you are struggling, if you are hungry, there is a meal and a welcoming family here for you on Thanksgiving Day,” said Derek Dugan, Director of Development for the Salvation Army of Augusta.

Shelters at capacity

Dugan said the organization’s facilities are at full capacity heading into the holiday.

“Tonight this shelter will be full, the women’s shelter will be full, the family shelter will be full. And tomorrow, all of them will be joining us for a Thanksgiving meal,” he said.

Volunteers prepare feast

While the Center of Hope dining area sits quietly with tables set and chairs arranged, preparation is underway in the kitchen at the Kroc Center, where turkeys and pies are going into ovens.

Volunteer Angela Mixon is making sweet potato pies using her grandmother’s recipe, mixing ingredients by hand.

“I don’t measure anything. If it tastes right, it’s good; if it doesn’t, I add what it tastes like it needs,” Mixon said.

The Salvation Army holds personal meaning for Mixon, who stayed at the shelter when she was 25 with her oldest daughter.

“So the Salvation Army really helped me,” she said.

Now she’s baking for the 150 people expected to attend Thursday’s meal.

Finding family

For many who will attend, the dinner provides more than just food.

“Thanksgiving is a special time for us to reconnect with our families and friends. And for the people that we serve, many of them don’t have those families or friends because of their situation in life,” Dugan said.

The free Thanksgiving meal will be served at the Salvation Army Center of Hope on Greene Street at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta-Richmond County has hired an emergency management director.

Kymber Keaton was hired after a competitive multi-round interview process involving several applicants and input from key public safety stakeholders.

It’s been a goal for quite some time to hire a full-time Emergency Management Agency director.

In recent years, Antonio Burden has been acting in that role in addition to serving as fire chief.

Augusta hasn’t had a full-time director for more than 20 years.

Keaton, originally from Scottsdale, Ariz., brings nearly a decade of high-level experience in emergency management, disaster response, public safety and homeland security spanning local, state, federal, tribal and international operations.

Her career includes service with the Air Force, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the White House Operations Center.

She has played key roles in operations, planning, training, mitigation, and recovery for some of the nation’s most complex emergencies, including COVID-19, wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms, flooding and civil disturbances.

Keaton has contributed to three presidential administrations, collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Secret Service and the National Park Service. She has also been involved in both national and international disaster relief efforts with Team Rubicon and Volunteer Nepal, supporting efforts to strengthen emergency readiness and improve coordination across partner agencies.

Keaton holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Emergency Management and has completed advanced emergency response and disaster risk training.

“I am excited to begin my service with Augusta-Richmond County,” she said. “This community made a lasting impression on me during Hurricane Helene, and the resilience I witnessed here stayed with me. When the opportunity to join Augusta arose, it felt like the right place to contribute and lead. My focus now is to enhance preparedness and ensure every resident feels informed, supported, and ready for any emergency.”

Keaton will oversee emergency preparedness, disaster response, outreach and training, working with local, state and federal partners.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.