POWERGRAMS

18 helping families statewide Through the Trust, Alabama Power conducted an energy checkup at the food bank to point out other measures that could save money and boost energy efficiency. "Our old HVAC unit was already costing more than it was worth," said Kathryn Strickland, executive director of the food bank. "The funding from the grant allows us to replace our unit with something that is going to be more energy efficient, make our power bill more consistent each month and take us 10 to 15 years into the future. This opportunity means a great deal to us. It means we can take our operating funds and turn them into meals." CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE Many people continue to struggle to pay their energy bills. "The need is even greater today because there's not sufficient federal funding. The ABC Trust catches a lot of people who may not be eligible for that funding," said Willie Whitehead, unit chief of the ADECA Energy Division. "The Trust has been a great partner for 25 years, and we're looking forward to another 25 years. Without the Trust, I don't know what many low-income Alabamians would do." On Nov. 15, Alabama Power leaders and their community action agency partners celebrated in Birmingham to mark the successes of the Trust. "Alabama Power's commitment is that we continue to be of service to others, and the ABC Trust is the epitome of that promise," said ABC Trust Executive Director Myla Calhoun. "Since its inception, the Trust has helped more than 100,000 households, and we are grateful to provide a safety net for these families. Our customers' needs are always changing, and we want to be sure we are evolving to meet those needs. Our most important goal is to continue to find new avenues to share our messages and reach out to help those people who most need our services." • By Carla Davis Strickland Calhoun Community Food Bank of Central Alabama was a recipient of Efficiency Forward Grant. Photo by Joe Allen

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