Golden Harvest Food Bank, Inc.

Hi everyone, my name is Ashee. I have lived in Augusta, GA for the past 6 years. I first moved here to attend Augusta University, but decided to stay in this city because oh how much I loved it. Augusta has been home to me for so long, but on September 27th, 2024 that changed. It will be a day I will never forget. Around 3:30 am, I was awoken by howling winds. Hurricane Helene had shifted her eye and hit Augusta, GA unexpectedly. The windows rattled and the walls trembled around me. I stood at the window, heart racing, mesmerized by the chaotic dance of branches and debris swirling outside. As the first heavy raindrops splattered against the glass, I felt a mix of fear and awe; nature's power was both terrifying and beautiful. When morning finally came, I awoke to a world transformed. Large trees lay uprooted, their massive trunks sprawled across roads and cars, as if nature had decided to play a cruel game of Jenga. Some homes were split in two, the weight of fallen trees crushing roofs and walls, leaving families trapped and devastated. Debris littered every surface, a chaotic reminder of the storm's fury, The power was out, leaving the air thick with silence punctuated only by the distant voices of neighbors walking out of their homes to assess the damage. I was lucky enough to have made it to my parents' home to escape the aftermath, but I know so many others weren't so fortunate.

For many individuals in Augusta, it has been a daily struggle to navigate the wreckage, find clean water, feed themselves, and make sense of the losses. In the aftermath of the storm, countless families face the heartbreaking reality of loss and displacement. This is why I have created a GoFundMe page in support of Golden Harvest Food Bank. This charity is local to Augusta, and is dedicated to helping the community. Your support can provide a meal to individuals affected by this horrendous natural disaster. For every one dollar that is raised, three meals are provided. If you are able, please consider donating to this cause. Even the smallest amount will lead to a large impact.