Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/437783
Christmas Wish Lists Filled 'Tis the time for making holiday dreams come true. Indeed, nothing compares to seeing a child's eyes shining with the wonderment of Christmas and watching little ones scramble to open gifts. For hundreds of Alabama Power employees, that sight – and the joy of knowing they are fulfilling the needs of families and the wishes of less fortunate children – spurs them each year to find ways to help their communities. Members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) are fully engaged, as are employees making individual efforts to help. "For me, it is knowing that kids are getting their basic needs filled along with some of their wishes, so they can enjoy being a kid at Christmas," explained Beth Shumate, who led two shopping drives by Plant Miller employees. It took considerable time, energy and $37,000 to shop for 344 children, said Supply Chain Management Team Leader Shumate, who noted that Miller APSO's annual golf tournament and other fundraisers made the gifts possible. About 40 merry Miller elves shopped nonstop on Nov. 18 to fill 200 Salvation Army "Angel" wish lists. Two days later, 30 APSO volunteers trekked through a store shopping for children suggested by the Walker County Department of Human Resources. Employees remembered needy children at area schools, shopping for 20 youngsters from Sumiton Middle; 12 children from Corner and Bagley Elementary; and 10 kids at Crumly Chapel Elementary. Jodi Webb's inspiration is the desire to bless someone else. On Dec. 8, she and 20 Gaston APSO members shopped for children served through the DHR, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the Boys & Girls Club and APSO's Backpack Buddies, to aid children at Vincent Elementary School. APSO's investment: $35,000. Members worked many projects and fundraisers to collect Christmas gift money, said Webb, 2015 Gaston APSO president-elect. "We're blessed to have this job and be a part of a wonderful company that allows us to do this. We don't want any child not to have a present under the tree. When you're privileged and blessed, you should give back, and I want my children to know this," said Webb, a chemical technician who has a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old. Thanks to Power Delivery-Birmingham Division employees' annual golf tourney and clay-shoot, Magic City APSO provided gifts to more than 325 Salvation Army Angels, said Charlene Robb, PD project manager, Business Processes. PD employees, along with several spouses and volunteers, shopped at stores in Gardendale and Pelham before Thanksgiving. 100% CONNECTED 3 Toys for Tots in Mobile got a boost from APSO shoppers Allison Allen and Valencia Chaney. EMPLOYEES HELP THOUSANDS ACROSS AL ABA M A On Dec. 2, Gorgas APSO members took part in the Walker County Christmas Parade in Jasper. Birmingham Division-PD's Gary Stewart and Patricia Bigger shopped for Salvation Army Angels.