#CommunitySupport | AM 1180 Radio

August 6, 2026

Chattooga Masonic Lodge #704 Hosting Barbecue Fundraiser Saturday

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Chattooga Masonic Lodge #704 will hold a barbecue fundraiser this Saturday, August 8, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until all plates are sold.

The fundraiser will be held at the lodge, located at 2 Millican Street, one block off Highway 27 behind Circle K. Both dine-in and carryout service will be available.

Organizers say delivery may also be available for local businesses and individuals who are unable to leave work.

For more information or to arrange a possible delivery, contact Randy Rush at 706-766-2335 or Trevor Gilreath at 706-936-8951.

Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a barbecue plate and support the lodge’s fundraiser.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Community Rallying to Help Chattooga High Band Purchase New Equipment Trailer

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A community fundraising effort is underway to help the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band replace its equipment trailer after the current trailer was deemed unsafe for travel.

The fundraiser, organized by band supporter and alumna Celia Greene Holt, aims to raise money to purchase a new trailer that will safely transport the band’s instruments and equipment to football games, competitions and other events.

In a social media post, Holt said the Chattooga High School band has been a source of pride for generations of students, families, alumni and the community. Now, as the grandmother of a current band member, she said helping preserve that tradition has become deeply personal.

Holt encouraged anyone who has enjoyed the band’s performances or cherishes memories of Friday night football games to consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser with others.

As of this week, the online fundraiser had raised a portion of its $2,800 goal.

Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Chattooga Band Rolling with a New Trailer.”

July 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Donations Of Cat Litter

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking the community for help by donating cat litter to care for the many cats and kittens currently at the shelter.

Shelter staff say their feline residents go through a large amount of litter every day, and donations help keep the animals comfortable, healthy, and happy while they wait to find their forever homes.

Anyone wishing to help can drop off cat litter donations at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with Wednesday visits available by appointment.

For more information, contact the shelter at 706-857-0679. Shelter officials say every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of local animals awaiting adoption.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Jefferson’s Continues Free Meal Program For School Employees

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Jefferson’s of Summerville is once again thanking local educators by continuing its Teachers Eat Free program throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

Now in its fourth year, the program provides one free entrée every Tuesday to school employees from across Chattooga County. Eligible participants include teachers, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals and other school staff with a valid school ID.

The initiative was launched in 2023 by Summerville Jefferson’s franchisees Jake Lund and Robby Coggin. According to the restaurant, the program provided approximately $8,000 in free meals to local educators during the 2025-2026 school year.

“Our teachers and school staff are doing so much for our kids and community,” co-franchisee Jake Lund said. “We’re really excited to offer something our educators can count on throughout the school year and be a place where they can take a break, enjoy a meal and know they’re valued.”

The free meal offer is available for dine-in only at Jefferson’s of Summerville, located at 10096 Commerce Street, every Tuesday during the school year. Guests must present a valid school ID to receive one free entrée.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CRC Back to School Bash Serves 500 Trion and Chattooga Students

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The Community Resource Center’s 2026 Back to School Bash helped 500 students from Trion and Chattooga County prepare for the new school year.

According to Maisha Ludy, each student received a backpack filled with school supplies. Families also had access to additional community resources designed to help them begin the school year with the support they need.

Organizers thanked the volunteers, community partners, donors and others who contributed their time, resources and encouragement to make the event possible.

Ludy said the strong community support made a meaningful difference for local children and families as students prepared to return to the classroom.

The annual event reflects the Community Resource Center’s continued commitment to serving families throughout Trion and Chattooga County.

July 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Grief Support Seminar In September

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Anyone coping with the loss of a loved one is invited to attend “My Grief Journey,” a free one-day seminar on Saturday, September 12, at Boynton Church of God in Ringgold.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the church, located at 1956 Three Notch Road, in Ringgold, and lunch will be provided.

The six-hour seminar is designed for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one, as well as those who want to better understand how to help others through the grieving process. Topics will include common emotions associated with grief, such as anxiety, depression, anger, fear, difficulty sleeping and loss of concentration, while offering encouragement and practical guidance for healing.

The seminar will be facilitated by Jimmy Spurling and Neal Brown and is hosted by Boynton Church of God. There is no cost to attend.

July 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Teloga Volunteer Fire Department Reminds Residents 2026 Membership Dues Are Due

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The Teloga Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents that 2026 membership dues are now due and encouraging community members to continue supporting the department’s mission of protecting the Teloga community.

Current members can conveniently pay their dues by placing their payment in the drop box located at the fire department or by stopping by the station on Monday nights after 6 p.m. to meet the firefighters and pay in person.

Residents who are not yet members are encouraged to join. The cost is $150 for the first year, with annual renewals of $50 each year after that.

Volunteer fire departments rely on community support to help provide emergency fire protection and other emergency services. Department officials say every membership helps keep the Teloga community safe.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Back to School Bash Fully Stocked Ahead of Thursday Event

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Chattooga County Community Resource Center Director Maisha Ludy says the community has provided every item needed for this year’s Back to School Bash, several days before the event.

Ludy announced Monday that all requested school supplies and other needed items have been collected. She said that in six years of coordinating the event, the organization has never completed its supply collection this far in advance.

The annual Back to School Bash will be held Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Chattooga High School.

The event will include free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, community resources and other activities for local students and families.

Organizers remind parents and guardians that children must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies.

Ludy thanked residents, businesses and organizations across the county for their generosity and support, saying the early response reflects the strength of the Chattooga County community.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Southeast First National Bank Donates To Chattooga County School Athletic Programs

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Southeast First National Bank has made a donation to support athletic programs throughout the Chattooga County School System.

The contribution was presented by Suzanne Hurley-Bowman and Barry Hurley of Southeast First National Bank to Chattooga County School System Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie and Chief Academic Officer Robert Beach.

Barry Hurley said the bank remains committed to supporting local schools and organizations that serve the community and its young people.

“We are proud that over the years we have been able to support our school systems and other entities that serve the citizens and youth of our community,” Hurley said.

School officials expressed their appreciation for the contribution, noting that partnerships with local businesses help strengthen athletic opportunities and provide additional support for student-athletes across the Chattooga County School System.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Godfrey’s Tree Service Organizes GoFundMe For Trion Family After July 4 Storm Damage

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Kevin Godfrey and Lacey Gilreath with Godfrey’s Tree Service have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help a Trion family whose home was heavily damaged during severe storms on July 4, 2026.