Connections

2 I n communities across our state, many residents are unaware of the depth of the problem: Thousands of Alabamians go to bed hungry. Job loss, family problems and medical crises all contribute to poverty and the accompanying lack of food. Because Alabama is the nation's sixth poorest state, the critical needs many Alabamians face are no surprise to officials at Feeding America in Washington, D.C., the country's largest hunger-relief charity. More than 46 million people use feeding programs across the nation. Feeding America President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Aiken said, "The results are alarming – hunger exists in literally every county in America. It's an urban problem, it's a suburban problem and it's a rural problem." APSO's testimony: 'Go and be filled' These needs magnify the important work done by members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) to abate hunger in our communities. Employees provide a very real lifeline to families whose survival depends on food donations. At Bay Area Food Bank in Mobile, among Feeding America's 200-partner consortium of food banks, Volunteer and Food Drive Manager Karla Gardner said, "The need for food is increasing. We depend so much on food-drive donations as a source of shelf-stable foods such as canned goods. We set a record in 2013, distributing more than 17 million pounds of food in our 24-county service area." Through food donation projects, Barry APSO members will fill the shelves at Bay Area Food Bank during mid-September through October, said Cherie Gatlin, Barry support specialist. "We normally give our donations and also give them the food after Thanksgiving, because they're wiped out afterward," explained Gatlin, wife of APSO State President Palmer Gatlin. "So we replenish them before the Christmas holidays." Mobile Division APSO's Goddess Hudson helped lead a food- collection project that yielded 904 pounds of food for Bay Area Food Bank. APSO asked employees attending the annual Safety Symposium at Mobile's Fairgrounds to donate at least one canned food item. Canning hunger through food bank donations Southeast/Farley APSO's Pam Smith said she is concerned with hunger in her community. "With APSO, our focus is on helping the community," said Smith, instrumentation serviceman, Plant Farley. "Poverty is here in the United States – it is here in Dothan. People have to choose to get their food or medicine, or to pay their bills. I am blessed, and I want to bless someone else, too." That's why Smith didn't hesitate when she saw a flier from the Food Bank of Dothan, calling for help from their neighbors. Smith joined several Southeast/Farley Chapter members assisting in a joint venture at Dothan Baptist Church. On May 24, APSO members bagged food and placed it on tables for pickup by needy families as part of a mobile pantry drive. Every APSO chapter works to combat poverty and hunger in Alabama. In November, Magic City Chapter members will take on the Helping the Hungry Message from APSO state president One of my favorite movies is "The Blind Side." The story features Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who plays in the NFL. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy take Michael in off of the streets, adopt him and make him a part of their family. Michael attends the University of Mississippi where he excels in football and is drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. Have you ever wondered how many Michael Ohers are out there who aren't as fortunate? When was the last time you saw a homeless person standing on a street corner asking for money? When was the last time you actually gave that person some money? If you are like most people, you just turn your head at the intersection and look the other way, hoping he or she doesn't walk up to the car. In your mind, you think, "They're just going to buy more booze with it!" In some cases, you'd be right. But what if that person really is starving and hasn't eaten in days? Have you ever thought about going to Hunger is Alabama's 'silent' problem. Anniston seniors are delighted when Boykin makes the rounds for Meals on Wheels. Cherie Gatlin (left), Miller's Danny Baker and Palmer Gatlin cook for Run for the Reason athletes. Gaston Chapter's Teresa Mims (left) and Barbara McGinnis are real Backpack Buddies, helping pack snacks for less fortunate kids at Vincent Elementary School in eastern Shelby County. Gaston APSO held a July 25 doughnut sale to fund Backpack Buddies.

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