Connections

7 APSO Chapter Reports who hopes the project will spark similar projects around the state. "From that, we may see more of this in our communities." Capstone gave fresh produce to about 100 clients last year. The gardens have grown to 12 raised beds, fruit trees and blueberry vines, transitioning from summer to winter crops, including collards, turnip greens and kale Additional volunteers included Shane Dawkins and Nathan Miller, with Western APSO's Jasper subchapter members Susan McKinney, Tiffany Stephens, James Usrey and Wayne Garner, who has since moved to Corporate Headquarters. Magical times at Children's Hospital Magic City APSO members hope to re-play their huge springtime success with Playtime Extravaganza, in hopes of making the fall season more enjoyable for kids at Children's Hospital. On Oct. 7-10, Information Technology employees, in partnership with Magic City APSO, will host their seventh Playtime event. It's a fun-filled week of activities for young patients at the Birmingham hospital, including a fun fair, arts and crafts, a mascot "meet and greet," and a magic show. "Playtime Extravaganza is not just a charity event. We do it for the kids and their families," said Kandy Bishop, IT. "It's a break from illness and treatments for the children and their parents. We are doing this twice, because we wanted to allow more children to participate and give more IT employees the opportunity to volunteer." Bishop comprises part of a core team from various IT departments that plans, organizes and implements the event. Children will enjoy a Fun Fair with carnival games, "Hot Wheels" races, a design a teddy bear event and a "Glamour Time" photography session, in which the little ones play dress up and have their photos made. As during the April Playtime Extravaganza, Magic City member and IT Software Developer Matt Wilson will dazzle kids with his deft sleight-of-hand in a magic show. In April, Magic City APSO member donated 381 volunteer hours to the event. Students win with Miller's help Backpacks Are Us: This could be the new name for Miller Chapter's successful school- donation campaign. In a drive that began July 21, APSO members encouraged fellow employees to donate school supplies for West Jefferson and Brookville Elementary schools, as well as the nonprofit Mission of Hope. Making sure teachers' wish lists were filled was a joy, said Miller Chapter President Jamie Driver. They fulfilled the supply requirements of teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Driver joined with Maintenance Team Leader Jessica Dunaway and other Miller members in delivering the items to schools. Members plan to help construct a Habitat Home in October. Mobile serves up fun to campers Children suffering from juvenile arthritis (JA) got a chance to just be a happy kid this summer, with help from some Mobile Division APSO members. Several Mobile members donated their time to work at Camp M.A.S.H., a facility in west Mobile geared toward working with kids with severe illnesses. The project allowed employees the chance to let their "inner kid" come out, said project coordinator Ryan Allenbach. He was one of seven APSO volunteers who cooked and served lunch to about 150 campers and counselors in July. The camp serves children up to age 18. "For a week, these kids can come out and put all that behind them. They can cut loose and be free. Sometimes the kids go full circle with it, coming back to Camp M.A.S.H. to serve as counselors when they're older," Allenbach said. Sara Brooks and Tracie Faessel stayed a day, taking part in arts and crafts with about 60 campers. They helped about 60 boys and girls hand-paint their pillowcases with special messages about Camp M.A.S.H., to serve as a memory of their stay. Melanie Christopher, who served as a counselor a few years ago, brought her Alabama Power lineman dad, Tommy, along to help. Other volunteers included Ray Cabaniss, Jason Newby and Christina Nix. Volunteers worked 44 hours. Enterprise schools can track textbooks, thanks to Southeast/Farley This summer, Southeast APSO members took part in a project that has made life easier for teachers and staff at Enterprise High School. It all started when Enterprise City Schools decided to update its book inventory system to a bar-code technology system. Enterprise High School's Assistant Principal Ricky Britt called on APSO to help in adding bar codes to every textbook they owned. Twenty company volunteers worked June 9-13 at various city schools. Britt said volunteers inserted bar-code stickers into every textbook at his facility, allowing staff to track books by computer and get accurate tallies of available resources. APSO members also listed the type of equipment, location and barcode attached to each item. "We have thousands and thousands of books," said Britt, a 25-year veteran of the Enterprise city school system. "This whole project is new – books are now in a textbook bank. We are trying to organize our books and be more accountable. APSO's work saved us a whole bunch of time. We would have spent most of the summer doing this, if they hadn't helped us." Southeast Division Merchandise Salesperson Katie Thomas admits the project was "off the beaten path" among APSO's usual endeavors. "Our volunteers worked a rotating Gorgas volunteers recently restored a Parrish community garden that feeds needy families. Giggles and smiles are the "payoff" earned by Magic City APSO members who volunteer for Playtime Extravaganza at Children's Hospital. This summer, sick kids took time off from illness at Camp M.A.S.H., enjoying crafts and other activities with assistance from Mobile volunteers.

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