POWERGRAMS

5 our community than I could have ever imagined," said Employee Development Coordinator Walley, who has applied to be a Big Sister to a youngster at George Hall Elementary School. "It's an honor to work for a company that allows us to give back. APSO and the relationships I've fostered through APSO have brought me my greatest joy over the past 15 years. Co-workers and charities we've served have become great friends, and these great friends have become like family." Paige Lake was APSO state president when EF-4 tornadoes hit Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, causing loss of life, widespread damage to homes, businesses and Western Division's distribution system. "It was so amazing to see the many divisions of APSO reaching out to offer their services," said Lake, who recalled not seeing her husband, Greg, for weeks as he and other Power Delivery employees worked to restore power. "The group that comes to mind was the Southeast- Farley Chapter," said Lake, a market specialist. "The members gathered so many items that we had to reach out to our transportation department to set up a backhaul to get the items to Tuscaloosa. The supplies were delivered to the Western Division warehouse. There, our volunteers would gather aer a full day's work to pick up the supplies for distribution to churches and other groups. We took meals, snacks, water, toilet paper, diapers, toys and cleaning items to Rosedale Courts, one of our hardest- hit areas. April 27 will forever be a very memorable time in my life." Gaston Maintenance Team Leader Justin Bailey said APSO membership is an integral part of his 21-year career. Working with the Christmas for Kids project, he's seen life-changing benefits to families. "Seeing that joy changes you," said Bailey, 2014 Gaston APSO president. "It changes your whole mindset: you're not only changing your life, you're changing the lives of those people. Three projects we've done changed my life: that's our fishing event, creating sensory rooms for elementary schools and Make a Wish, which is awesome." Bailey's wife, Julie, is active in Gaston APSO and, together, they created a sensory room for special- needs children at Wilsonville Elementary School. That project led other APSO chapters to install sensory rooms at elementary schools in their vicinity. "You see these projects and how passionate people are," Bailey said. "People can take their passion and build on it and be supported by our group." Above, Barry Steam Plant employees brought Tools for Schools to students across the state. Above right, debris collected from the Coosa River in 2007 by APSO volunteers. At right, a young participant from an APSO-sponsored event. APSO members frequently participate in fundraising events.

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