AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The ringing bells are coming to an end.

The Salvation Army of Augusta is making the last push on Christmas Eve to meet their fundraising goal and change your perspective of what homelessness looks like here at home.

They’re even playing instruments to help make a difference in the community.

“We try to make it so that they can also enjoy this time of the year, just like anyone,” said Janelys Villalta, Salvation Army marketing and public relations manager.

They have been raising money all year long, but especially around the holiday season.

“It’s Christmas and we are very conscious of that with the clients that we do have staying at the shelter,” said Villalta. “We want them to feel like anyone else would want to feel this holiday season. We want them to be surrounded by love and joy.”

Spreading happiness in any way they can.

“What we’ve seen in the last two or three years is a shift,” said Jonathan Raymer, Salvation Army major and area commander. “So often when we think of homelessness, we think of the homeless man who’s out. But half of the people staying at our Center of Hope are women and children and so we’ve seen an increase in women and children needing housing, and experiencing homelessness.”

Raymer says ⅔ of them have a job, but just not enough to sustain a place to live so anything you would be willing to give could even be life-changing.

“If you donate $20, that actually will shelter a family of four for four nights,” said Raymer.

Passing along hope and love to everyone this holiday season.

“All of that stays here local, all of that goes to support what we’re doing at our Center of Hope where in the past two years, we’ve been able to move 300 people from homelessness to being housed,” said Raymer. “This year, we’ve been able to help 600 people stay in their homes so it goes to a very good cause and helping those in need.”

You can still donate online at their website here.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Monday, December 23, 2024, Barry Charles Robinette, 73, loving husband of 35 years to Gina S. Robinette.

 Barry was a lifelong native of Augusta, Georgia. He retired from the Bank of America and was currently working at Trenton Correctional Institute for the last13 years. He was active in his church, Abilene Baptist. He loved to spend time with his family. They loved to celebrate life together, and they loved their Lord. He was a good,good husband, daddy, and brother. He gave 100%and more to faithfully leading his family in the love of Jesus Christ, their Savior. He will be forever cherished and always loved. Barry is praising his Savior and waiting for the day that we will join him. 

 Family members in addition to his wife, include his children: Heather Robinette and Charles Robinette; sister: Shirley Weathers (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents and Fred and Helen Robinette.

The funeral service will be held Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Terry Doss officiating. Interment will be private.

 The Robinette family is so thankful for the support they have received from Abilene Baptist Church, specifically their Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Barry Robinette to Abilene Baptist Church, 3917 Washington Road, Martinez, GA 30907.

 The family will receive friends Friday, at 10 AM at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com