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🌱 Patch AM: How one Augusta dad turned heartbreak into truckloads of joy for kids

Be sure to catch Holiday Market at the Marina on the Augusta Patch calendar

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Good day Augusta! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How one Augusta dad turned heartbreak into truckloads of joy for kids
  • Which Augusta students just earned $10,000 REACH scholarships?
  • Could Augusta’s budget cuts end free healthcare for hundreds?

Also on today's calendar: Trivia Night at Top Dawg Tavern and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Augustafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Augustafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 66 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 57, low: 23.
  • Monday: Colder with plenty of sun, with a high of 43 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ZayDay Foundation spreads holiday joy at Children's Hospital of Georgia (wjbf.com) — Families in Augusta should know the ZayDay Foundation is once again filling the Children’s Hospital of Georgia with toys, honoring a local boy’s legacy of generosity. Founder Zachery Wright and supporters like Augusta Christian help turn personal tragedy into comfort for young patients, from Christmas toy drives to a massive “Christmas in July” delivery that brightens hospital stays.
   

2. SEE IT: Augusta students selected as REACH Scholars (augustachronicle.com) — Several Richmond County students from Augusta schools have been named 2025–26 REACH Scholars, each earning a $10,000 scholarship toward college in Georgia. District leaders say the awards reflect the students’ dedication and strong community support for their educational goals.
   

3. Augusta budget shortfall: Commissioners weigh cuts to nonprofit funding (wrdw.com) — Augusta is staring down a nearly $7 million general fund shortfall, and commissioners are weighing cuts that could completely eliminate city funding for the Project Access health care program serving uninsured Richmond County residents. Nonprofits, internal departments, and even a possible millage rate increase are all on the table as commissioners race to balance next year’s budget by year’s end.
   

4. North Augusta Plans $5M Land Purchase for Cyber Office Building Near Fort Gordon (kicks99.com) — North Augusta is moving ahead with a $5 million land purchase at Riverside Village to build a cyber-focused office hub that directly supports Fort Gordon and Augusta’s Georgia Cyber Center. Funded by South Carolina’s DOE settlement money, the project aims to attract cyber tenants, strengthen cross-river partnerships, and potentially improve parking and revenue in the growing riverfront district.
   

5. Homeless Vietnam veteran honored with dignified funeral (wjbf.com) — A new Augusta funeral home stepped up to give homeless Vietnam veteran Lester Padgett Jr. a dignified burial after he died with no surviving family. Local advocate April Tiller and Augusta Cremation and Funeral Care arranged his service, and Patriot Guard Riders escorted him to his final resting place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Health Club News: Your Ultimate Source for Health Club, Gym, Spa, and Fitness Franchise Industry Intelligence —Pulse CPR Read on Patch
  • Just a warning to everyone.
    I just received a text message that stated that it was from Amazon concerning an order I placed, but it looked suspicious. It said that there was a… (Nextdoor Morehead/Roswell)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Bullet was LOST on December 10, 2025 in Augusta, GA 30906 near Luxembourg drive and London Boulevard Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest… (Nextdoor Kingsgrant)
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Housekeeper / House Cleaner Full Time / Part Time Positions Available in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Coleman Worldwide Moving posted a job opening for Helper / Packer / Mover in Augusta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Augusta here.

Ok Augusta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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