Food and Fellowship: Le Chat Noir opens its doors to those in need

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta’s only Black Box theatre Le Chat Noir has been doing what it can to help the community in the aftermath of Helene.

“We woke up Friday morning, went outside and neighborhood was destroyed, it kind of skipped over us, so we came down here to Le Chat, and we had power, so we started inviting people to come get ice or come and recharge their phones. We figured we’d do that every day for a few hours while we could,” said Owner Krys Bailey.

When Bailey announced on social media that they were opening their doors, they were surprised with the response.

“Folks were showing up with food and games and stuff to do, I mean people were bringing stuff to the table.”

Jessica Yu has been helping her neighbors as well. When she heard about what Le Chat was doing, she thought she’d lend a helping hand.

“When Krys said he was taking food collections today, because I was fortunate enough to have power, I Iron Chef’d my kitchen, I brought as much cooked food as I could and plate for people to take food home and eat here and enjoy each other’s company.”

Durinda Orr learned about Le Chat on social media.

“I’m still without water,” she said. “This is day 6 and without power and I heard about having ice here, and so I came to get some.”

Durinda was glad she went to Le Chat.

“It was delicious food, I had dinner and it was fabulous, I’m full and I don’t have to eat food soup out of a can tonight, I loved it.”

Bailey has been happy to see other businesses helping the community as well.

“The Tuckers right across the street at Humanitree House were doing the exact same thing we were doing…I haven’t been too far off my block, but my neighbors have been lovely.”

Bailey encourages people to keep an eye out on social media to see if themselves or their neighbors are opening their doors, and he has a message for all those trying to get power back to the area.

“We can’t thank you enough and when I say you’re doing a fantastic job, the place transforms on a daily basis, we’re getting it back.”

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