In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Augusta has shown its true colors—unity, compassion, and a willingness to help neighbors in need. Our community stepped up in every way imaginable to ensure that no one had to face this disaster alone. From preparing meals and donating supplies to providing essential resources, each contribution made an incredible impact. Join us in honoring the extraordinary generosity of Augusta’s local heroes.


Augusta Training Shop: Hurricane Hearts for Relief Workers

The Augusta Training Shop launched a heartfelt initiative, inviting community members to craft #hurricanehearts to show gratitude to relief workers. The shop called for volunteers of all ages to help with cutting, bundling, gluing, and tying ribbons on postcards. With a hands-on spirit, community members could personally contribute to thanking the heroes working tirelessly for Augusta’s recovery. Special thanks to Phoenix Printing for their collaboration, ensuring that every heart and message was perfectly prepared!
 

Clearing Trails: Andy Jordan’s Bike Store + Augusta Run Club

After Hurricane Helene left its mark on the city, Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse stepped in to help clear debris from local bike trails. This effort restored these community spaces for Augusta’s outdoor enthusiasts and ensured that bikers and pedestrians alike could safely enjoy the trails once more.

 

In the aftermath of Helene, armed with chain saws, Augusta Run Club led a team to include other local running groups (Augusta Trail Runners and Palmetto Girls)  to clear around 7 miles of local public trails. This is one of the many things that this club does to give back to the community. 

Ways to Help: StacieSocial’s Relief Resource Guide

With so many asking how to help, StacieSocial shared essential resources and donation information to ensure Augusta received what it needed most. From donations via Venmo to necessary supplies dropped off at various locations, every item, from flashlights to baby formula, found its way to The Community HUB Augusta.
 

Local Restaurants Step Up

Fat Man’s Mill Café, closed for the week, joined the mission to feed hundreds of Georgia Power and Red Cross workers, while Café 209 prepared 500 free meals for the community. Sno-Cap Drive In also provided hot meals daily, reminding Augustans that support was always within reach.

Chef Todd Schafer of Abel Brown, along with Philippe Erramuzpe and their team, brought sustenance to those in need, preparing 500 free meals daily at Sand Hills Community Center. From grilling hot dogs to hamburgers, their generous efforts ensured that everyone, especially those most affected, had access to warm food. And thanks to donations, they’ve been able to continue feeding the Augusta community, one plate at a time. To keep perishables and medications safe, with Todd Schafer gathered donations to fund more than 7,000 pounds of ice.

Sol Food Kitchen served more than 100 people sandwiches, homemade soups, kids sack lunches, & smoothies in one day. They also used donations to prepare and pack free children's lunches to continue through that week for those in need.

AugustaStrong: The Kru’s T-Shirt Fundraiser

With Augusta’s resilience in mind, The Kru launched the #AugustaStrong t-shirt initiative, with proceeds going to Golden Harvest Food Bank. By purchasing a t-shirt, community members could directly support food resources for affected individuals in Georgia and South Carolina. A powerful reminder that every act of support counts, this campaign united Augustans through a common goal—to uplift and rebuild together.
 

Local Businesses Offering Shelter, Food, and Resources

Lenox on Tenth, owned by Aris Reed and Robert Stokes, stayed open to offer food, device charging, and air conditioning to hospital staff and community members. Despite sustaining some damage, Lenox served as a beacon of hope, distributing meals to hospital workers and eventually opening its doors to all. Oak Restaurant and Lounge, owned by Dwayne Stokes, also played a significant role, using their space as a safe haven where families could recharge, hydrate, and even rest.
 

Growing Augusta’s Extensive Relief Efforts

Throughout October, Growing Augusta led a series of relief initiatives, distributing over 4,000 pounds of produce, setting up pet food supply centers, and collaborating with local leaders for resource distribution. Their network ensured that fresh food, pet supplies, and livestock feed reached those in rural and underserved areas, highlighting Augusta’s commitment to helping even the most remote communities.
 

Additional Acts of Kindness:
  • Ironman Volunteers joined in clearing debris, lending their strength to aid Augusta’s recovery.
  • Rooted Coffeehouse launched a merch line with proceeds supporting disaster relief efforts, adding a sense of warmth to Augusta’s recovery.
  • Seven Brew contributed donations through community sales, ensuring funds went to local relief initiatives.
     
Food and Shelter for Essential Workers

Thanks to the Augusta Marriott, Taqueria El Rey, and countless other businesses, our linemen, first responders, and relief workers received the meals and support they needed to keep helping Augusta get back on its feet. Each meal, donation, and volunteer hour represents the heartbeat of this community.

Together, we’ve shown that when challenges arise, Augusta’s strength shines brighter than ever. Thank you to every business, volunteer, and supporter who played a role in our journey to recovery. We are #AugustaStrong!