Locals step up to bring Halloween spirit back to the community

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Halloween might not be the same this year, but it’s giving many families the chance to make new traditions.

So many people were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and even locals are stepping up to help each other out.

Augusta resident Nick Padgett decided to gather up Halloween costumes and give them away for free on Wednesday so that everyone can get into the Halloween spirit, regardless of their situation at home.

“I guess I thought, you know, there’s a need for other things now,” said Padgett. “Like we’ve gotten past not having power, and now nobody’s really thinking about the children who went through this. So I felt like this would be a good way to put some smiles on some kid’s faces.”

He says he noticed a great need for all kinds of resources.

“There’s a lot of help going around, but there’s not a lot of help going around thats specified to people who can’t afford to get places or to do the more fun things,” he said. “I was trying to focus more on helping people who can’t afford the more fun things right now.”

More than 150 people messaged him, asking for help.

“We’re talking about families with two kids, three kids, seven kids,” said Padgett. “There’s no way that I could possibly have enough to help, but I’m trying to do what I can.”

So many people lost so much. Padgett had 4 trees on his home but has been helping since the storm hit.

“We can’t do anything about our situation, so let’s immediately get out and do stuff for other people,” he said.

He’s bringing a smile to kid’s faces, regardless of their situations at home.

“I’m just happy that somebody else gets to enjoy Halloween,” said Padgett. “I really enjoyed Halloween and I really enjoy Halloween now still. I’m just happy that I get to help some kids enjoy it as well, after something so traumatic.”

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