POWERGRAMS

13 As the holidays loom and temperatures slide downward, many Plant Miller employees are warming the hearts of less fortunate folks. That's the case for members of all 10 chapters of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), who pull out all the stops to assist during the Christmas season. The unwavering focus of Miller APSO's board and 300 chapter members is helping meet community needs in one of Alabama's poorest areas. "The need is real," said Miller APSO President Kevin Chappell. Indeed, about 22% of Walker County's 64,000 residents live below the poverty line. In freezing weather, the homeless seek a warm place to stay at the City of Lights Dream Center in Dora. In January, the center opened 20 beds to the public, along with providing hot meals and showers. Miller APSO members volunteered for 400 hours in helping prepare the center for opening. Jamie Massey, founder of City of Lights, said that volunteer hours and donations by Miller APSO members are making life more bearable for the center's homeless and needy clients. When temperatures go below freezing two or more consecutive nights, the center opens its warming stations. Adding touch of home for the hurting "It's not just the homeless," said Massey, who operates the center with her husband, Sumiton Church of God Pastor Victor Massey. "We have families that are cold and don't have running water, for instance. With it being this cold, we want to make sure it's for anybody that needs to get warm." In August, Miller APSO provided a donation for school supplies to assist with the center's Back 2 School Bash for needy families. More than 800 families picked up free paper, pens, pencils and backpacks before school started. The City of Lights Dream Center provides free day care services to approved families and a Celebrate Recovery program for people fighting addiction. "It's our dream to make life beer for people in Walker County," Massey said. "I can't thank Miller APSO enough for their kindness." Working for others When APSO members met for the 2019 APSO Convention, Miller board members assembled 150 hygiene bags to give to the Walker County Coalition for the Homeless in Jasper. APSO Happy Holidays! M I L L E R E M P L O Y E E S , O T H E R S S TAT E W I D E H E L P D I S A D V A N TA G E D H A V E B E T T E R D AY S Miller APSO project coordinator Jamie Driver shops for seniors.

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