POWERGRAMS

APSO back-to-school efforts aid students across the state Marcy Brown's life and her job rotate around the people of Parrish: She loves the rural community and, for years, has worked to help its residents. It could be said Brown's service is an "APSO byproduct." When the Gorgas Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) decided to help kick off a better school year for kids, it was natural they'd combine forces with Brown, chairwoman of the board at Capstone Rural Health Center. Sponsoring a variety of fundraisers, members bought 500 backpacks for Walker County children. On Aug. 11, many Gorgas employees spent their evening filling the book bags with crayons, paper, folders and other supplies provided by Capstone. Three days later, hundreds of children lined up at Capstone for a free backpack and smiles from APSO members. Chapter President-elect James Brown and President Greg Miller were happy to help families at Capstone's "Back2School Supplies Giveaway" and health fair. "It's about giving back – we're not just all about ourselves," said James' wife, Marcy, who has been a Gorgas APSO member for 15 years and Capstone volunteer for seven years. "When you see the kids' excitement, it's worth everything. I'm happy when I'm volunteering." Many families came in for health screenings and to enjoy music and food. Attendees enjoyed vendor booths and door prizes, and meeting ABC 33/40 chief meteorologist James Spann and news anchor Brenda Ladun. Keenly aware of the importance of having the proper equipment for the job, Barry APSO members were eager to provide "Tools for Schools," chapter President Amanda Lofton said. In July, Administrative Specialist Cherie Gatlin and Lofton went on two shopping sprees, buying $1,500 in supplies: crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper, notebooks, calculators, scissors and other items. "We printed the supply lists for St. Mary's Home, Dauphin Island Elementary, George Hall Elementary and North Mobile County middle schools," said Lofton, Power Generation analyst. After supplies were divided into equal portions, Maintenance Specialist Joe Giles, Gatlin and Lofton delivered them to the schools. In October, Barry APSO members will help North Mobile County Middle School with its fall fundraiser. Southern Division APSO President Hailey McElroy said members collected supplies for "Stuff the Bus" to help Montgomery schools. Twenty Southern APSO members on Aug. 6 planted flowers and performed maintenance at Bear Elementary School. Eastern Division APSO is committed to assisting with educational efforts, said Chapter President Michael Magouyrk, with bins placed throughout the division so employees can donate school supplies. Eastern APSO bought gift cards for resource officers at several schools to buy supplies. Schools in Anniston and Calhoun and Talladega counties also received donations. Amanda Young, Customer Service representative and a member of Eastern APSO's Pell City subchapter, chaired a donation drive for schools. Pell City employees gave $250, which was combined with $250 from Eastern APSO in support of Refuge Ministries to help 28 schools. "Refuge Ministries partners with schools to give to children in need," said Magouyrk, Anniston Office manager. On Aug. 6, the chapter provided sleeping mats, copier and construction paper, compasses, protractors and other items. A clean, attractive environment is conducive to learning, Gaston Financial Specialist Melissa Williamson believes. Gaston APSO members rolled up their sleeves for a day of painting the Vincent Middle School entrance. Employees are again donating through the Backpack Buddies program in which food is placed in backpacks of underprivileged students. Miller Employee Development Coordinator Jamie Driver praised employees' generosity during APSO's annual back-to- school drive for copier paper, paper towels, pens, pencils and other supplies. "We assisted Bagley Middle, West Jefferson Elementary and Brookville Elementary schools through these donations," said Driver. The group gave three large-screen TVs to Sumiton Middle School for expansion of the technological curriculum. Miller APSO supported Backyard Blessings, a nonprofit in Sumiton that ensures needy children don't go hungry on weekends away from school. Organizer Leneda Jones said children are discreetly given food to last through the weekend. On Aug. 8, APSO members helped with Backyard Blessings movie night, in support of five Walker County schools. Mobile Chapter President Ryan Allanbach's members helped with a supply drive for Mobile-area schools and gave $500 to Prichard Preparatory School to buy a smartboard for the library. Magic City APSO asked employees to help provide personal hygiene items to kids in need. Throughout August, APSO set bins around the company, in which employees left floss, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer and lotion. In September, APSO members will sort and stuff supplies for 1,000 student care packages for delivery to child advocacy centers in Birmingham and Shelby County. "For youngsters, looking their best and being clean at school is just as important as having the needed school supplies," said Magic City APSO President Wells Cooner. By Donna Cope EDUCATION 3 ABC 33/40 achor Ladun joined Gorgas APSO to distribute school supplies. Gorgas APSO bought backpacks for 500 students. Photos by Meg McKinney

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