Meredith Anderson
Anchor, I-Team Reporter with WRDW
As an investigative reporter, Meredith advocates for local individuals and families by gathering and disseminating information. “Information is power; not for the person who has it, but for those receiving it as well,” shares Meredith. “I think a lot of people believe I have access to things that they don't have access to, but I can walk into a police station or sheriff's office and get the same information as a private citizen. I just have training and I know how to find it.”
Advocating for people who feel forgotten or feel like no one is fighting for them brings Meredith the most joy. She adds, “Giving people that voice and shining the light on something that's been in the dark can do a lot of things for people's healing and for justice.”
Lisa Armstrong, Volunteer Coordinator
ReStart Augusta
"We are a faith-based nonprofit and our mission is to provide beds to those in our community who don't have a bed and can't afford a bed," shares Lisa. Recipients are referred to ReStart Augusta through local agencies/schools and are vetted to ensure the beds reach those truly in need.
The organization relies on volunteers, donations, and grants to reach people in the community. "We have a core set of volunteers who help us on a regular basis, but then we have groups from the community come in," says Lisa. “Volunteers can be engaged in the whole process from unloading the lumber off the truck to cutting, sanding, painting, preparing the linen bags - all the way up to delivering it to the client.”
For more information on how to volunteer with or support ReStart Augusta, visit www.restartaugusta.org.
David Marrero
Guitars 4 Vets
In June of 2018, David Marrero launched the Augusta chapter of Guitars 4 Vets, a nonprofit organization that provides veterans with guitar lessons. “It’s primarily geared towards providing guitar instructions to veterans that are struggling with combat related injuries or mental issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety,” says David. This is a twelve week program that consists of one hour sessions every week. “For those who need it, we provide everything that they need for the instructions. We’re providing guitars, gig bags, tuners, and stands. At the end of the twelve weeks, we’ll take all that back and give them a brand new acoustic guitar with an accessory kit,” says David. “It’s a pretty cool thing and we’ve seen pretty good results with it.”
If you would like to purchase a guitar for a veteran, you can visit Portman’s Music Superstore and tell them it’s for Guitars 4 Vets, you can make a tax-deductible donation via the Guitars 4 Vets website at guitars4vets.org/donate-today, or you can contact David by emailing ga.augusta@guitarsforvets.org.
Georgia Walden
Student Visionary Of The Year, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raises funds for cutting-edge research and provides education and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Wanting to help make a difference and spread awareness, Georgia decided to run for Student Visionary Of The Year.
Georgia attends Harlem High School where she is a cheerleader and is also involved in other sports. Ella Cassidy, who also cheers at Harlem High School, is teaming up with Georgia and is currently recovering from Leukemia.
If you would like to support Georgia, Ella, and the rest of the team, visit https://events.lls.org/ga/svoyaugust23/tputtingca to make a donation.