POWERGRAMS

19 ENERGIZERS Christmas conjures up thoughts of a beautiful tree laden with ornaments and lights, sharing time with family and friends – and, for some – even a unicorn or two. That's the case for Mobile Division Energizers Chuck and Mary Jo Hrabe. For the past several years, the couple has joined many Energizers members in gift shopping for youngsters at the Southwest Regional School for the Deaf and Blind. Last year, the Hrabes scoured the toy aisles, searching for the perfect present to meet each child's wish list, including a unicorn for one little girl. "We wanted to get the right thing – we looked and looked, and finally found a unicorn bank," said Chuck Hrabe, president-elect of the Mobile Energizers and the Energizers state organization. "It was so hard to find. Later on, it seemed like, at every store we went, we saw unicorns." Helping fulfill the wish list for Santa Giving gifts from the heart is the Mobile Energizers' specialty. For more than 10 years, they have worked with teachers at the school to help fulfill youngsters' Christmas wishes. Mobile Energizers President Joe Hall said they plan a Christmas party with the students and teachers. Longtime Mobile Energizers Secretary Mary Jo Hrabe said the project began with another member. "Jack Howell was really the driving force of the Energizers getting involved with the school," she said. "Sadly, Jack passed away in January 2016. He was a Kiwanis Club member for many years and volunteered with the regional school for more than 30 years. It was his leadership that allowed us to be so successful with this project today." Time volunteered by Energizers earns money through a company grant program. In 2016, Mary Jo Hrabe said, Mobile Energizers' 228 members have volunteered more than 7,200 hours of community service. Santa's "elves" are on the job early A lot of work goes into making sure every student receives a special gift, Mary Jo Hrabe said. In mid-October, Santa greeted youngsters at Southwest Regional School for the Deaf and Blind. Retirees make wishes come true for deaf, blind children in Mobile Photos courtesy Jo Anne McKnight BY DONNA COPE

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