POWERGRAMS

44 25 25 from the food bank warehouse. "I've been here for 20 years and I can't remember a time the Southeast/Farley APSO hasn't helped by volunteering, holding food drives and through monetary donations," said Hanks, who noted that, as a local food source, the food bank takes part in Farley safety drills. "We've had to increase storage because we've had trucks running 24/7. And diesel fuel isn't cheap. We have doubled our food donations from 50,000 to 100,000 pounds a week. This is critical during the pandemic." The coronavirus has been "novel" in more ways than one, Hanks said. The pandemic affected food bank operations when there was a coronavirus outbreak among four external people. Now, the food bank fogs its offices with cleaner daily and all volunteers must wear masks. "We've seen more families struggling than has happened for a long time," Hanks said. "We really appreciate APSO's help." Charitable Giving Vice President Tequila Smith was pleased with the success of APSO's virtual fundraiser. "The pandemic has changed the way in which APSO is able to serve, but our longstanding commitment to serving the community has not wavered," Smith said. "I'm proud of the way APSO volunteers have remained engaged and continue to give back. This fundraiser is just one example of how our APSO volunteers have found a way to still make a difference and ensure those in need have a bright holiday season." The APCO Employees Credit Union donated $15,000, with President and CEO Derrick Ragland presenting the check. "We have a long history of supporting APSO events," Ragland said. "We are so proud to be a part of the partnership with APSO on this. Just because COVID has stopped the events does not mean the need is not still there." Belford calls APSO membership a "no-brainer." The organization's 6,000-plus members – who represent employees of Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear and Southern Company Services in Birmingham – support community initiatives through their annual membership fees and by volunteering. Upon joining Southern Nuclear in 2011, Belford was excited to learn about APSO. "Before our then-president, Lashanda Fieldshad, even left the room, I talked to her and said that I wanted to be a member," Belford said. "APSO helps with the community, education and the environment. Those things speak to me. I didn't know how enriched my life would be when I joined. I've really enjoyed being a part of APSO." Fundraising tally reached nearly $50,000 as Tequila Smith and Broderick Smith watched. APSO volunteers distributed food and gifts during the holidays.

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