POWERGRAMS

14 Ringing in season of joy Western APSO President Adam Tipps said the holidays are an exciting time of year for his chapter members. "I think that it's important, as Alabama Power employees, to give to our communities," said Tipps, an APSO member since 2004. "The key to APSO and Alabama Power's success is that we have strong communities and people who care about each other. By giving of our time and of ourselves, we show them that we care. We live in these communities, too, and we care about people." Western APSO members buy clothing and toys for Salvation Army Angels. They decorate a 7-foot- high tree on the Tinsel Trail to benefit Tuscaloosa's One Place, a family resource center. More than 150 Christmas trees will illuminate the Riverwalk. In December, South sub-area members wrap gis for a fundraiser at Christmas on the River in Demopolis, and buy clothes and bicycles for Angels sponsored by Marengo and Greene County DHRs. Northwest sub-area members shop for gis for clients of the Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center in Fayee County. Eastern APSO President Varnestra Jones said members of each chapter sub-area assist their communities during the holidays. Eastern members in April held their Angel Tree Clay Shoot at Selwood Farm Sporting Clays and Hunting Preserve in Sylacauga, earning nearly $15,100. Each sub- area receives about $1,000 to support charitable endeavors. The Gadsden sub-area gives toiletries, socks and sweat outfits to patients of Mental Health America of Etowah County. In Roanoke-Clay County, members help the Randolph County Boy's and Girl's Club. APSO members in Anniston, Heflin and Jacksonville help with Toys for Tots, and the Oak Grove-Sylacauga sub-area adopts six angels through the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement. Jones said her chapter members want to make Christmas a magical time for their communities. "Being able to say I donate and that we touch so many lives for kids who may not have anything means so much," said Jones, training coordinator, Accounting - Eastern Division Office. "I wish I could see their faces on Christmas Day, see the excitement. Growing up, as a child, I would have been devastated not to get anything. This gives me great joy. "As long as we're giving from the heart, that's all that maers," Jones said. "I'm so thankful to be able to do these things that APSO exposes us to." Mobile APSO President Erin Delaporte said their chapter will spend more than $10,000 on Christmas projects. Mobile volunteers usually sponsor about 25 Angels, and have opportunities to assist with Angel Tree registration and warehouse distribution. Mobile APSO members buy and deliver gis to residents of Wilmer Hall, a nonprofit organization that has served children in need since 1864. APSO members donate to WKRG-TV's Christmas Toy Drive and the Dumas Wesley Community Center Toy Store. Members provide meals to the hungry at Pine Hill Mission during the holidays. "I have always been overwhelmed by the generosity of our volunteers during the holidays," Delaporte said. "They consistently seek ways to make the holidays brighter for the less fortunate in our community." Gorgas and Miller APSO members in September co-hosted the Sporting Clay Tournament at Selwood Farms in Alpine. Miller APSO's Terri Black said the event drew 25 teams with four members each. "It gave employees from both plants the time to fellowship and talk about business," said Black, material specialist – Miller Store Room. "Most importantly, we raised money to help with important causes." Gorgas APSO President Dion Oliver said the tournament funds their community efforts for Christmas. "We usually buy gis for about 200 to 300 children sponsored by the Walker County DHR and Salvation Army," said Oliver, Gorgas assistant plant control operator. "We are out shopping the week before Thanksgiving. In December, we help with the Tri- County Angels project at the Jasper Civic Center, giving out gis and whatever else is needed." Gorgas members are giving a new refrigerator to Hope for Women, a Jasper ministry that treats addicted women. Especially during the holidays, meeting children's needs is what APSO is all about, Williamson said. "In the world we live in, we have most of what we need and the things we want," Williamson said. "It's eye-opening to know so many children have been turned over to DHR; the numbers are so huge. Even when they are placed, we know that sometimes the foster parents can't provide what they need. We know where the gis are going. It touches our hearts, knowing that we are helping children at Christmas." Miller Power Generation Analyst April Christian said Miller APSO will give goodie bags to senior citizen centers, and buy gis for more than 300 foster children sponsored by Jefferson and Walker county DHRs and the Salvation Army. Miller APSO gives a donation to the Arc of Walker County and Mission of Hope to buy gis for those they serve. by Donna Cope

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