North Augusta Kicks Off $2.5M Drive To Support Meals on Wheels Through 2030

Aiken Senior Life Services launched the All Hands on Deck! campaign in North Augusta on Nov. 20, 2025. The drive aims to raise $2.5 million over five years. An anonymous donor gave $1 million to jumpstart the effort, sparking momentum for the cause.

In 2024, the program served 36,000 meals in North Augusta. That's 41 percent of all meals delivered across Aiken County.

Executive Director Aimee Hanna said the campaign started in Aiken on Nov. 3 and will run until Jan. 31, 2026. The original goal was $1 million, but early success and the major gift pushed the target higher.

The campaign also supports congregate dining at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where seniors can attend activities, lectures, and fitness classes followed by lunch. Should North Augusta raise $250,000, the group can move 20 seniors off the waiting list and expand congregate dining from three days to five days per week.

Client Helen Redd spoke at the event about how the service has helped her. "Not only are they bringing me nourishment of the food, but they are bringing me nourishment of love because it's a joy to meet those people at the door," Redd said.

Gloria Steele of Warrenville also shared her experience. "I thank God for all of them, and I thank God for this wonderful opportunity to let you know that I appreciate the sacrifices in everything that you do for the seniors," Steele said.

North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams serves as honorary chair. He's been delivering meals since 1997. Williams made the first donation to the effort.

"Meals on Wheels is about nourishing the souls, and it's more than nourishing their stomachs, but the logical part of this for us is to nourish their souls," Williams said.

Seniors 60 and older who qualify can receive meals through the service. More information is available at the Aiken Senior Life Services website or by calling 803-648-5447.