The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during a community blood drive set for Friday, April 10. The drive will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the EMA office located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The community is coming together in Trion to support a local inspiration with a special 5K Run & Walk for Sierra on April 11.
Sierra Bennett, a 23-year-old with cerebral palsy, has found joy and purpose in chair racing, inspiring others with her determination and positive spirit. The daughter of Carrie and Josh Bennett, Sierra continues to compete and stay active in the racing community.
The event will take place at Trion Town Hall, located at 1220 Pine Street. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., with the race starting at 9:00 a.m.
There is no required registration fee, but donations of any amount are encouraged and will go directly toward helping Sierra cover race fees so she can continue doing what she loves.
Organizers say the event is not only about supporting Sierra, but also about bringing the community together for a meaningful cause.
Those who cannot attend but still wish to help are encouraged to donate.
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to give back and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive on Friday, April 10.
The event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA office located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville. Organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives, making community participation especially important.
Those who donate between April 1 and April 15 will also be entered into the Blood Assurance “BA Local Hero” promotion, with a chance to win one of several $100 gift cards being awarded across participating communities.
Appointments can be scheduled online through Blood Assurance, and walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Officials encourage residents to consider donating and supporting the ongoing need for blood supplies across the region.
More than $40,000 had been raised as of Monday to help send Jude Baker and his family on a special trip following the young Chattooga County boy’s courageous battle with cancer.
The fundraiser was organized by Kevin Godfrey, owner of Godfrey’s Tree Service, after Leslie Tripp Watwood, owner of Burger Shack, approached him about bringing the community together for Jude.
Jude was diagnosed in February of 2024, at just 12 years old, with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. After months of difficult treatments, Jude eventually reached a major milestone by ringing the bell to mark the end of his treatment.
But even while going through his own battle, Jude was thinking about others.
According to organizers, Jude used his Make-A-Wish Georgia opportunity not for a trip or gift for himself, but instead to help people experiencing homelessness in the community. His wish helped provide backpacks, supplies, sleeping bags, and meals for more than 300 people.
Now that Jude is in remission, organizers say the community is stepping up to give back to him and his family by helping provide a trip where they can enjoy time together and make lasting memories away from hospitals, treatments, and stress.
Organizers say Jude’s compassion and selflessness have deeply touched the community, and donations continue to come in as supporters rally around the Baker family.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are encouraged to take part in a community-wide effort to help local families this weekend as area Scouts prepare for a special drive-thru food drive happening Saturday, February 7, 2026. The event is part of Scouting America’s annual “Scouting for Food” campaign and will directly benefit the Community Resource Center of Chattooga County, which serves families facing food insecurity throughout the area.
Godfrey’s Tree Service is expressing heartfelt thanks to the many community members, volunteers, and businesses who stepped up to help with the demolition and cleanup of the fire-destroyed, longtime local favorite Henry’s BBQ. What unfolded over the cleanup effort was more than a job—it was a powerful example of community spirit in action.
The American Red Cross is asking people across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to schedule a blood donation appointment in the final days of 2025 to help keep the blood supply strong heading into 2026. The need is especially high right now for Type O, A negative, and B negative donors.
Small Business Saturday is here, and local merchants across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia say the day plays a major role in keeping hometown businesses strong. While Black Friday often draws shoppers to large retailers and online stores, Small Business Saturday shifts the focus back to the locally owned shops, restaurants, and service providers that form the backbone of rural communities.
