POWERGRAMS

14 Reynolds and Demopolis Office Manager Diane Brooker are project coordinators for the ever-popular Jingle Bell Run, supported by Western APSO's South area. APSO supplies T-shirts for the runners, with profits – along with the race entry fee – going to the Demopolis Food Pantry. Last year, APSO donated about $1,300. The group also supports Angel Tree efforts for the Greene County and Marengo County DHRs. Plant Greene County Administrative Support Specialist Sha Torya Eaton coordinates the projects, providing children's wish lists to Plant Greene County, Demopolis Office and Crew Headquarters employees. Individuals and members of Western Division South adopt about 30 Angels. The South area also gives about $2,000 to buy bikes of all sizes. Power Generation Analyst Marie Wilson said that APSO Western South area employees have "generously supported APSO in all of our fundraising events. "It gives me a really good feeling when we have a good turnout for things, and we can give it all back to groups who really need it," Wilson said. "We wouldn't be able to do all the things we do without all of these people participating. "We've done a lot of lunch sales and bake sales" added Wilson, project coordinator. "In April, employees stood at the plant gate collecting Change for Charity. We held our annual golf tournament at the Demopolis County Club in May. All of our efforts have totaled more than $13,500, making it possible for us to give back to our communities generously. "We also did a Sips 'n' Strokes painting event – without the 'sips,'" she added, with a laugh. "It was our first time to do this and about 20 participants showed up." Members of Western APSO's Jasper subarea are partnering with the new Children's Advocacy Center in Jasper, which counsels children who have suffered from physical and mental abuse. The Jasper group will spend about $3,500 for children's Christmas gifts and to provide meals for families. Jasper Customer Service Representative Lindsey Dill and Administrative Assistant Penny Graham are project coordinators. Barnes said her chapter's Northwest subarea annually helps the Fayette County Fair Board raise funds for Joey Day, a nonprofit group. Joey Day supplies clothes and toys for needy children, with help from the Fayette County DHR. Fayette Customer Service Representative Anita Cargile is the project coordinator. "In December, our Fayette-area APSO members, with other people in Fayette County, will meet at Wal-Mart to buy gifts for the children," Barnes said. "Everyone gets an information slip with a child's age, sizes, wish lists and a price limit. They shop for the child, trying to gather all the items on their list." Hands down, it's everyone's happiest time for shopping, all year long, Barnes said. APSO member Cynthia Phillips, wife of Greene County Team Leader Keith Phillips, takes part in the Jingle Bell Run. Starting line participants for the 2015 Jingle Bell Run. Bikes donated by APSO South Area for DHR Angels.

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