Good Deeds

CSRA schools have a bit more cash on hand – a total of $1 million – thanks to SRP Federal Credit Union’s Affinity Debit Card program. SRP announced recently that it reached $1 million in giving back to participating area high schools. That includes 22 South Carolina schools and eight in Georgia. In the program, SRP members use debit cards linked to the school of their choice. Every time a purchase is made using the card, SRP donates money to that particular school. Schools then use the funds for purchasing

Sarah Bunjevac is excited about having her business featured in a local coloring book. Bunjevac owns Halo Salon & Spa located at 1122 Broad St., one of 26 businesses, most of which are in downtown Augusta, that will be featured in the book. The book, which is being created by a local nonprofit called Beautify Augusta to fund the restoration of downtown murals, will feature business owners and their storefronts, as well as business and contact information. “I am happy that Halo is part of the new downtown coloring book,”

Some children in the Augusta area will soon be connected to the world, thanks to two Connected Learning Centers inside the HUB for Community Innovation. The centers will provide internet access and education tools for those who face connectivity barriers. The Connectivity Centers are part of a $2 billion national campaign by AT&T from 2021-23 to address internet accessibility and affordability. It is a collaboration with the Augusta Boys & Girls Club, Augusta University Literacy Center, and Rise Augusta. “Connectivity is the foundation of a thriving community, and AT&T’s investment

Rebecca van Loenen shops at ALDI, which has been out of chicken for weeks. But Augusta Locally Grown (AGL) has always had plenty of chicken and other staples in stock. Van Loenen serves as Executive Director of the non-profit organization, which is now located in the HUB for Community Innovation at 631 Chafee Ave. in downtown Augusta. ALG, which was founded in 2008, partners with local farmers to provide food to the local community. “We offer farmers’ markets in food deserts,” van Loenen said. Food deserts are areas, such as

Each year, a local non-profit organization hosts book fairs that provide thousands of free books to children in high-need schools, thanks to help from local businesses. RISE Augusta, one of five nonprofits housed in the new HUB for Community Innovation located at 631 Chafee Ave. in downtown Augusta, receives book donations from several bookstores, such as The Book Tavern and 2nd & Charles, according to its Executive Director, Laurie Cook. “A lot of kids don’t have books at home,” Cook said. She said RISE primarily focuses on improving literacy skills

Addison Niday has found a colorful way to promote CSRA businesses and preserve history at the same time. Niday, a local muralist, has been busy restoring old, faded murals on business buildings, primarily in downtown Augusta. He pays for these restorations, which can cost up to $1,000 each, out of his own pocket. Niday only asks business owners to donate money for paint, but many don’t. “This is a passion project; it’s my love letter to Augusta,” Niday said. He refers to himself as a soda enthusiast, so many of