The Salvation Army of Augusta invites the community to explore the halls, walk the soup line and take a look behind the Red Kettle at the Holiday Tour of the Homeless Shelter on Saturday, December 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. This free tour is open to anyone – individuals, families, youth groups, churches – who wants to see firsthand how The Salvation Army takes care of our neighbors in need.

“Seeing the homeless shelter with your own eyes really brings donations into perspective,” said Captain Philip Canning, Augusta Area Commander. “The bed, shower and food your donation provides is life changing. Suddenly it’s not just a contribution – it’s a new start for someone in need.”

So far this year, nearly 9,000 local men, women and children have spent the night at the Center of Hope homeless shelter. The shelter has been operating as high as 161 percent capacity; mats are put down on the floor each night to accommodate the overflow.