Finding Solutions: Master’s Table Soup Kitchen needs more volunteers
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Volunteering your time can make a difference in the lives of others, and one group that needs volunteers 365 days a year is calling for help at a time when they need it the most.
Golden Harvest’s Master’s Table Soup Kitchen is nearing the time of year when their volunteer numbers go down while the number of people they feed goes up.
“It’s good because I get to see a lot of families come in smiling, a lot of older people, a lot of veterans coming in here just smiling and really appreciating us for what we do here. And it’s also a sad thing because no one wants to see people in this predicament, but it’s good they have a source to come to,” said Jesse McClam, volunteer.
Master’s Table Soup Kitchen Manager, Ladonna Doleman, says they’re seeing more families and kids come through their doors now that school is out.
Graduates honor Wagener-Salley teacher who was killed by utility pole
On Friday, students graduating from Wagener-Salley High School are honoring one of their teachers who died in an accident.
“Usually on an average basis when school is in, you usually see between five and six kids, but now we are seeing at least 20-24 children a day, almost eight to nine families of four or more a day,” said Doleman.
She says they’re feeding between 280 to 290 people on any given weekday - numbers they normally see during the weekend.
“It’s challenging to see the families, it’s challenging to see the kids because you don’t know if that’s their only meal, or if they had a meal prior, or if they are going to have a meal afterwards,” said Doleman.
Doleman says with the increase in meals and volunteers taking vacations, they need the community’s help.
It’s snake season: What if you see one in your yard?
As temperatures increase, you may see more snakes in the area. We went to the Reed Creek Nature Center to learn what you need to do if you come across one.
“This summer is definitely going to be a challenging summer for us, and so yes, we definitely need help and volunteers to come up and help us change the community,” said Doleman.
As for McClam, he’s encouraging others to give back alongside him.
“Come out and volunteer your time. It’s a rewarding feeling. People are in need, and just come us,” said McClam.
The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen is located downtown on Fenwick Street.
12 On Your Side Investigates: Crime data in downtown Augusta, what the numbers show
12 On Your Side Investigates went through the city’s crime database, and we’re breaking down what's really happening with crime in downtown Augusta.
They serve a free hot lunch from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
If you would like to volunteer, click this link: https://volunteers.goldenharvest.org/agency/detail/?agency_id=126070
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
