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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
With deepest and heartfelt sympathy, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Mr. Willie J. Tanksley who entered into rest April 18, 2026.
Mr. Tanksley, a native of Richmond County, was a 1985 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. He was a member of Greater Young Zion Baptist Church where he served in the Brotherhood Ministry.
Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Tanksley; two daughters, Ashley Tanksley and Taylor Tanksley; siblings, Elise Tanksley of Augusta, GA, Wilhelmina Roland of Atlanta, GA, Terry Tanksley, Tommy Tanksley, Watler Tanksley and Elder Claude (Kimberly) Tanksley all of Augusta, GA; an aunt, Frances Tate; an uncle, James Tanksley; mother-in-law, Sandra Harrison of Beech Island, SC; father-in-law, Jimmy (Elnora) Bing; three sisters-in-law, Fonda Rainey, Nicole Harrison and Nina Bing; a brother-in-law, Eric Bing; a host of nieces , nephews, along with other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Greater Young Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. William A. Blount officiating. Interment will follow at Walker Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
The family will not be receiving visitors at the home. We ask that you continue to pray for them during this time.
Professional Services are under the compassionate care of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Former Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree’s funeral was held on Friday morning.
The funeral began at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, the Rev. Karlton Howard officiating.
WATCH THE FUNERAL
Interment will follow at Noah’s Ark Baptist Church Cemetery in Waynesboro.
A viewing was held on Thursday at Good Shepherd Baptist Church from 2-6 p.m.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Classmate remembers former Sheriff Richard Roundtree ahead of funeral
- Funeral announced for former Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree
News 12 first learned of Roundtree’s passing on April 11. He’d been in a metro Atlanta hospital with serious medical issues.
Several people spoke during the funeral service, but one deputy in particular spoke of Roundtree’s leadership.
“He was more than a sheriff. He was an innovator. He looked for better ways to serve. He led with integrity, courage and genuine commitment,” said the deputy.
Roundtree, 57, was the head law enforcement officer in Augusta for more than a decade − and when he took office in 2012, notably no sheriff had been like him.
He was the first African American elected to the title, something he spent a career working toward.
He was highly visible in the community, where he could frequently be seen in a vest, working a crime scene along with his deputies.
Former classmate Clarence Brown said he was proud of Roundtree for his work.
“I was proud of him for, for actually, you know, getting to that level. But at the same time I realized that that’s a heavy weight, especially being from the community, um, and, and to draw in the community,” Brown said. “And so I wanted him to know that there was somebody in his corner that didn’t need anything.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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