POWERGRAMS

14 countrywide," Sharon said. "We do 20 bags of food a week. Some children are transient, or are from single- parent homes or are homeless." Indeed, there's a huge need for food in Alabama, said Stephanie Grissom, VFS program director in Shelby County. Feeding America studies show that in Shelby County, home to Wilsonville Elementary, about 10 percent of the county's 203,350 residents are food insecure. Thus, about 20,350 Shelby County individuals don't have enough food to have an active, healthy life. When the project started in 2009, VFS served 40 students at two schools. Now, 725 children are fed weekly, and 1,130 families are served by Backpack Buddies, representing 28 schools. "We are so appreciative of Lane and Sharon Ross for their commitment, week aer week, to helping children at Wilsonville Elementary School," Grissom said. "As sponsors, they have come and trained with us, and gone out and invested in their community. We are really thankful to our sponsors, who give us the ability to help. "The Ross's have been great partners with us, along with the members of the Gaston Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization who help with Backpack Buddies," she said. "The Ross's have been such a huge blessing to the community, filling in the gap for kids who otherwise wouldn't eat on the weekend." The Ross's food delivery is always on a Thursday, in case children aren't at school on Friday. School professionals and guidance counselors assess children's needs, noting when children continuously miss snack time, for instance. "The counselors know the families in their communities who truly need to be on the program," Grissom said. Counselors discreetly place the bags in children's backpacks before they leave school each Thursday. The Ross's pack the food at Wilsonville Baptist Church, where they are members. The food – enough for two to four weeks – is stored at the church. Their fellow church members Linda Moore, who works at Wilsonville Elementary, and her husband, Danny, pick up and deliver the food. Sharon said that Wilsonville Baptist Church members give year-round – about $4,000 – to fund the project. Wilsonville Fine Arts also contributes. A satisfying role for servant leaders The Ross's are thrilled to assist with Backpack Buddies. "It's just a really good program for kids who need it," said Lane Ross, president-elect of the Gaston Energizers Chapter, which has about 30 members. "We also get volunteer hours for our Energizers chapter." Ross, who retired as an assistant plant control operator at the Power Systems Development Facility at Plant Gaston in 2013, enjoys volunteering with Energizers. "I took a lile time off aer I retired, then got started going to the Gaston meetings about two-and- a-half years ago," said Lane Ross, who also worked at Plants Barry, Gadsden, Gorgas and Miller during his 35-year career at Alabama Power. "We enjoy the Energizers meetings. "I was helping with different things before we got in Energizers," Lane said. "Our work with Backpack Buddies helps with volunteer hours, so it helps our treasury. I'm on the building and grounds commiee for our church, too, and that helps our chapter volunteer hours." The Ross's said that Energizers is helping them enjoy a more fulfilling retirement by helping other people. "It's got to be a tremendous blessing and a relief for these families," Sharon said. "I know it's a wonderful blessing for Lane and me." Grissom said she is extremely thankful for the work done by the Ross's, and the support of Alabama Power and its employees. "We couldn't do this without them – we know Alabama Power's heart to serve our communities," Grissom said. "Alabama Power is known for deeply caring for children. It's an incredible community investment they've made into children's lives." Weekend bags include cereal, chips and drinks. Lane Ross readies food packs to distribute to students.

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