Augusta, GA
‘Send Relief Serve Tour’ takes first multi-city stop to serve CSRA
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Hundreds of people lent a helping hand in Augusta from local churches and other volunteer groups.
This weekend wraps up their first stop in a multi-city ‘Send Relief Serve Tour’.
Around 800 volunteers were helping in Augusta this weekend some were even from more than 10 different states as far as Indiana, Missouri, and Texas.
Across the CSRA there were 60 teams at 39 sites giving back to those in need.
Even though many of them weren’t from here they were happy to give back.
Hundreds of hands not missing a minute to help every corner of the community; from renovating schools and churches, to building a playground and fences for a foster home. As well as offering free dental care, hosting a block party, and even feeding neighborhoods.
Even Mark Richt, former University of Georgia Coach, showed out this weekend, “It’s basically an organization that, you know, in the name of Jesus tries to meet community issues, crises, poverty, whatever it may be, meet people where they need it and help their physical needs and mental needs and spiritual needs as well.”
While some came from out of state, it meant most to those a difference in their own backyard.
“There’s a van back there and it has a grill on the back of the van. That’s where we’re making some hamburgers for people and giving them out for free. And it’s just a way to show the love of Jesus to people, a really practical way that we can do that,” said volunteer, Baker Brown.
People all across the CSRA were receiving love from hundreds of volunteers, including Garrett Elementary school, where two of their teacher lounges were renovated.
“It was more than what I expected so I was overwhelmed. And I know that my teachers are going to be overwhelmed as well,” said said Stacey Walk, Principal at Garrett Elementary School.
Send Relief hopes that the widespread acts of service was just the beginning of what Augusta could do in the future.
“Our hope is that what happens this weekend is that the local leaders here in Augusta and churches will just take the ball and run with it. This could be an annual thing in Augusta, but we don’t have to be the one leader. This is just something that we’ve done for the first time with the idea that it can be multiplied through the churches for years to come. That’s our hope,” said Bryant Wright, Send Relief President.
They held a celebration for all of the volunteers this evening before they leave and go to the next city on their seven city tour. Taking their impact around the country to have long lasting effects for the future.
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AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- A new Georgia law that took effect this month is aimed at helping drivers and passengers with autism during traffic stops.
Rio’s Law, already active in South Carolina, provides a special license plate for drivers and extra training for law enforcement with the goal of making traffic stops involving people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) smoother.
“Our deputies deal with hundreds and hundreds of people every single day. And that’s face to face contact,” said Major Andy Shedd, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Rio’s Law went into effect in Georgia on July 1st.
According to Major Shedd, since 2025, law enforcement officers across the Peach State have been training on how to interact with people with ASD, which the new law will expand.
“And it’s also been embedded in our community oriented policing training that we take online. And the beauty of that is some of the far reaching agencies in Georgia, some of the more rural police officers and deputies that that work in the rural areas, the online training gives them that format to where they can receive it also.”
Rio’s Law was created when a mother in California was pulled over for a traffic stop with her autistic son as a passenger. The officer wasn’t well versed in how people with ASD can react to stressful situations.
“They have reactions to specific types of sensories, whether they’re sound or lights or patterns that that can trigger some uncomfortable feelings, especially for people who are neurodivergent or living with things like autism,” explained Dr. Vijay Nagpol, a physician at ER Doctors Hospital Evans.
More noteworthy than the additional training is the access to a special license plate.
“That way, if law enforcement deals with you in the form of a traffic stop or a traffic accident, the deputy knows as soon as he sees that tag that he’s dealing with someone within the vehicle, either driver or passenger that may have autism,” Major Shedd explained.
This knowledge will allow the officers to use tools from training to keep the situation from escalating or to de-escalate if the person is already extremely upset.
“It may be hard for them to react in a way that would be expected from the police who are pulling them over law enforcement. They may have trouble focusing on the task at hand, which is conversing and cooperating with law enforcement,” said Dr. Nagpol.
Experts say that when law enforcement interacts with someone with ASD, awareness and education are key to keeping everyone calm.
“I think it all boils down to communication. The deputy should have good communication with whatever this person is going through,” said Major Shedd.
“I think it’ll be great once it’s rolled out is definitely going to take some training and awareness on the side of law enforcement,” said Dr. Nagpol. “But I know it’ll be something that’s relieving to people who are living with autism and also their loved ones.”
You can find out more about Rio’s Law HERE.
To find more information on getting an Autistic/Neurodivergent license plate in Georgia visit the Department of Revenue’s website or go to your local DMV.
In South Carolina you can go to the DMV website or visit your local DMV office.
Doctor’s Hospital treats and helps people with any health related problem at any of their location.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Launch Augusta hosted its ninth annual Launch Camp at Augusta University on Saturday, welcoming students from 13 Georgia counties to explore careers in health care.
Organizers said the event aims to inspire the next generation of medical professionals by connecting students with experts across more than 25 health-related fields.
Students rotated through clinic simulations, demonstrations and other hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Former Launch Camp participants also returned to volunteer.
“It’s so important to have this exposure at a young age because if you don’t know it exists, there’s things you may not even open your mind to,” said Dr. Kendra Broussard, president and founder, Launch Augusta. “We serve as low as kindergarten students, and they are getting real hands-on medical procedures.”
Organizers said the camp was free to attend thanks to donors and sponsors.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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