POWERGRAMS

7 APSO At some point in life, many people can use a "hand up" – not a handout. For Lamarious Whetstone and other volunteers in the Southern Division Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization, being that person who reaches out to others in a time of need is a life goal. When he joined the company about 12 years ago, Whetstone saw APSO as the perfect way to give back: Working with like-minded employees, one can accomplish more for the community. Whetstone was among 20 Southern APSO members who worked in May to make the 32nd annual Charity Golf Tournament a big success: They raised $35,000 for projects that will improve children's lives. "This was one to remember," said Whetstone, lead lineman at Montgomery Crew Headquarters. "We have had fantastic support." He said that Tabatha White, tournament chair, did a great job rallying volunteers and making arrangements for golfers. Lunch was served after the event. It was all about giving back to two Montgomery Boys & Girls Clubs, organizations "near and dear" to Whetstone's heart. As a youth, he took part in events through the Boys & Girls Club of Central Coosa, where he grew up. That experience spurred Whetstone to take a lead role in Southern APSO. "I'm a beneficiary of a lot of the groups that APSO helps," said Whetstone, who was raised by his grandparents. "Especially the Boys & Girls Club – I've been involved in all of those and I've been a beneficiary. I believe in giving back. I was taught by my grandparents that that is our purpose here in life, and that's to be of service. "I try to embody those ideals," he said. "I embody that in what I do each and every day, not just through APSO but though church and through the Boys & Girls Club, or through the YMCA, whatever it is that can make life better for somebody else." Southern APSO involved in many aspects of community Through the pandemic, Southern APSO members were involved in several projects. On March 19, about 20 Southern APSO volunteers played in a kickball tournament and/or helped with the event for Brantwood Children's Home in Montgomery. The home provides a safe environment for abused, neglected and other at-risk children ages 10-21. About 30 children are on campus. "It's a world away from everywhere," Whetstone said, "and people need to know that they're cared about." Gerald Jones appreciated Southern APSO's support for Brantwood's second annual GO Kickball League event, which earned $13,000. "We do fundraisers through the year to take care of kids in foster care today," said Jones, executive director of Brantwood Children's Home for six years. "The Southern APSO volunteers worked the gate from about 8:30 a.m. to 8 at night at the River Walk Stadium, taking tickets as people went through the gate, so that freed up our staff and helped make things go smoother. We didn't have to pay someone to do that. The Alabama Power group rotated volunteers, and they stayed all day. They were troupers, because they played against people who do this regularly. This was a serious game. Some teams came from as far away as Columbus, Georgia." While two different games were being played on the outfield, Southern APSO volunteers helped with face painting and kids' activities on the infield. The Montgomery Biscuits baseball organization allows Southern APSO volunteers to work the concession stand, earning money they funnel to charitable groups. For many years, Southern Division employees have provided snacks for goodie bags to be distributed to Montgomery Cancer Center patients. "We know the treatments are physically draining," Whetstone said. "This spring the center gave us a list of snacks for their patients, to be available during and after treatment." Each division business office and crew headquarters set up a collection barrel for employees and customers to donate unsalted potato chips, cheese and peanut butter crackers, peppermints, health bars, and peach and pear fruit cups. These efforts and others have cemented Southern APSO as a dependable partner for many Montgomery nonprofits, Jones noted. "We really appreciate Southern APSO," he said. "Just to have them there is emotional support for us. It was great having them at the GO Kickball League. They were there, supporting us through it all." By Donna Cope Giving back is goal of Southern APSO members Chapter is 'on the spot' to help many nonprofits

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