Hurricane Irma hits; Augusta University steps in to help

As the City of Augusta welcomed Florida evacuees affected by Hurricane Irma, the Augusta University community jumped in to help without hesitation. About 400 students, faculty, and staff signed up through the Office of Volunteer Services to serve those in need.

“Above and Beyond!  That’s the phrase that comes to mind when describing the overwhelmingly positive response that our AU family of students, faculty, and staff has had to our call for volunteers in the relief effort for Hurricane Irma evacuees. ,” said Tina Baggott, associate vice president for volunteer services and engagement. “The spirit of generosity and service that has been an ongoing theme over the last week has made me even more proud to be a member of Jaguar Nation.”

Augusta University volunteers cared for more than 2,000 evacuees at seven shelters in the Augusta area.

Activities in which volunteers participated include tending to evacuees’ medical needs, training other volunteers on how to serve in a shelter environment, and doing physical work like loading and unloading shelter supplies.

All colleges as well as the Augusta University Medical Center had volunteers helping in shelters.

“I am fortunate to have seen and shared so many amazing stories of caring and giving during this experience,” Baggott said. “Our team ensured that the people in the shelters who were going through one of the toughest times in their lives received the highest level of care at the time when they needed it the most. The positive impact of the compassionate service from our Augusta University family will resonate in our community, our city and in the lives of our neighbors across the state of Georgia for many years to come.”