Augusta, GA
Volunteers ensure no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving at Augusta Salvation Army
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.
TikToker cleans father’s hoarded house – and goes viral
Madison Lovelle posts videos online while going through and cleaning her childhood home after her father died.
Housing costs are often the biggest Georgians deal with every month, so it’s important to try and save money where possible.
Last week, WalletHub released its ranking of the most affordable cities to buy a home. It analyzed 300 cities based on 10 metrics, with the biggest weight going to housing affordability and cost per square foot.
Best city to buy a home in Georgia?
Augusta ranked the highest among Georgia cities, ranking 8th overall and 3rd best in the midsized cities list.
Augusta real estate prices
According to Zillow, as of March, the median list price for a house in Georgia is $205,000 with a median sale price of $187,283. About 57% of sales are under the list price.
The average rent, as of April, is $1,365 per month.
Augusta cost of living
The MIT Living Wage Calculator reports the hourly pay needed to support yourself and/or your family, assuming full-time employment. For Richmond County (Augusta), it’s $20.31 for one adult, $28.16 for a two-adult household with one working, and $14.08 for a two-adult household with both working.
Children obviously increase the wage needed. Depending on how many adults are working, the necessary pay figures may increase by up to $13 for just one child, with more needed for additional children.
Worst city to buy a home in Georgia?
The Georgia city with the lowest ranking on the list overall was Sandy Springs. However, with 300 cities, landing at No. 151 doesn’t make it nearly the worst in the nation. Sandy Springs was No. 56 on the small cities list.
What are the best cities to buy a home in US?
- Flint, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Surprise, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
- Akron, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Augusta, GA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Cleveland, OH
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Senate candidate Derek Dooley made several visits to the area on Friday.
Dooley had stops in both Lincolnton and Augusta on May 29 and was joined by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his “Georgia First” tour. He spoke about one of the issues he finds in politics.
“But the other piece of it is the corruption. People sit on these committees. They have access to information that none of us have. And then you look up 2 or 3 years down the road and their wealth is just skyrocketing,” Dooley said. “You’re outperforming every investor out there. And I think it’s shameful. I think it erodes trust. It’s something that I will never do.”
“Politicians were out there getting paid. They were coming back home. They’re raising money and campaigning while the government shut down,” Kemp said. “What Derek’s saying, if he’s up there, we’re not going to allow legislators to get paid. We’re going to take away their benefits. That way, you won’t ever have another shutdown again.”
Dooley is facing Congressman Mike Collins in a runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
The winner of the Republican nomination will face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been arrested after he was accused of hitting two women at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.
The incident happened on May 14 around 12 a.m.
According to arrest warrants, Bruce Bland struck one victim with a closed hand several times in the face. Bland also threw a garbage can at the victim, hitting her in the head.
The warrant states the victim suffered a bruise on her face.
Bland also hit another victim with a closed hand on her mouth, according to the warrants. She suffered swelling and a bruise on her mouth.
Bland is charged with battery and simple battery, according to the warrants. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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