Following ongoing restoration efforts post-Hurricane Helene, Comcast and local community leaders return to provide critical digital literacy resources to demonstrate commitment to the city's recovery
ATLANTA, March 14, 2025 -- This week, Comcast returned to Augusta, Georgia for a day of giving back to local communities following the ongoing restoration efforts post-hurricane Helene. As the city still recovers from rising homelessness and devastation left behind from weather disasters, the organization, in partnership with local community leaders, reverberated its commitment to uplifting the city through a day dedicated to bringing positive impact.
Comcast Investing Back into the Augusta Community
Comcast's community building efforts kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Xfinity Store grand opening, joined by Augusta community members and local radio station 96.3 FM. Visitors had the opportunity to meet with Comcast's local consultants, enter raffles for prizes including free tickets to the Atlanta Braves and other engaging activities to bring the community together.
Following Xfinity's new store opening, attendees were invited to join Comcast's Team Up employee volunteer program to write letters to active military members and veterans. In partnership with the United Way of CRSA, Augusta community members, local elected officials and Comcast support team members demonstrated its continued partnership to show love and compassion for those keeping us safe and protected.
"Our team members here at Comcast are excited to continue making a significant and meaningful difference in the lives of the communities we serve," said Rachel Ozias, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Big South Region. "We are dedicated to the city of Augusta and helping restore our residents and businesses, and our investments here will ensure we meet the growing demand for connectivity services."
Expanding Access to Digital Literacy Resources
Keeping individuals, families, their loved ones and businesses connected to the moments that matter most is Comcast's highest priority, as well as opening the doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. To continue advancing economic mobility in Augusta, Comcast surprised the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta with 75 free laptops, as well as a $35,000 check to continue Comcast's digital literacy efforts at the company's three Lift Zone locations.
Lift Zones, which provide Internet access on-the-go, help students who, for a variety of reasons (including homelessness, or housing insecurity issues), need somewhere to go during the day to participate in distance learning. In 2024, Comcast provided a $35,000 foundation grant to support Augusta's three Lift Zone locations and granted the McDuffie County Club of Augusta with a $10,000 donation for damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The organization also opened its first Flagship Lift Zone in partnership with Inspiredu in Atlanta, GA.
"We could not be more grateful for Comcast and the commitment they've shown to kids in our Clubs," said Kim Evans, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. "These contributions are a direct investment in the future of Augusta, as well as the young, brilliant minds that will lead our community forward."
"At Comcast, we are immensely proud of our investments here in Augusta," said Mike McArdle, Senior Vice President, Big South Region. "Our partnerships with community organizations have been the cornerstone of our mission to continue uplifting this city, and these collaborative efforts are a shining example of the resilience and unity that define our communities."
Comcast's commitment and impact in Augusta and the Southeast
The devastation from Hurricane Helene in the southeast region and Augusta has left a long-lasting impact on community members. Last year, Comcast worked in tandem with government entities and elected officials to provide vital resources to families, loved ones, businesses and employees to recover swiftly and safely. These contributions included a $100,000 donation to United Way of Augusta CSRA of Augusta, GA, $50,000 to The Salvation Army Savannah Corps of Savannah, GA, $50,000 to East Tennessee Foundation of Knoxville, TN and $10,000 to United Way of Southwest Virginia of Abingdon, VA.
In partnership with the City of Augusta and Georgia National Guard, Comcast provided more than 1,400 cases of water for families in Richmond County impacted by water pump damage. In addition, many Comcast employees from around the southeast region came together to volunteer in Augusta to pass out much-needed food, water and other vital resources.
Keeping impacted residents connected to their families and loved ones is mission-critical during severe weather. While the organization contributed thousands of generators prepared and placed across impacted regions to supply temporary power, Comcast also opened more than 360,000 Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots, including over 250,000 in Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, to help everyone stay connected during these storms free for customers and non-customers.
From enabling seamless online learning and telehealth services to supporting small businesses and remote work, Comcast's efforts fuel economic growth and digital inclusion. Beyond broadband investments, over the past three years, Comcast has invested more than $3.1 billion in cash and in-kind donations in Georgia alone – focused on helping people build digital skills, expanding Wi-Fi-connected Lift Zones and funding connectivity and Internet adoption programs.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
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