POWERGRAMS

8 ENERGIZERS Corporate Energizers have much to smile about: Members enjoyed their first in-person meeting since 2020, where Sue Jeffreys sang their praises June 7. Jeffreys, one of the founders of the nonprofit Just Keep Smiling, said, "I can't help but feel uplifted." She joined attendees in sharing hugs and handshakes, smiles and laughter, creating a "happy hum" not heard in the Corporate Headquarters auditorium for many months, said Corporate Energizers President Judy Moore Judy Moore. Each member brought two cans of food or boxed items for Birmingham-area food banks. Jeffreys thanked everyone for their "generous gift" in February 2022: "We appreciate Corporate Energizers so much," said Jeffreys, who founded Just Keep Smiling in 2005 with friends Deborah Cook and Patrice Brooks. "You do not know how much of a difference you are making in the lives of children who are in the hospital and for their families." The Gardendale-based nonprofit helps families with youngsters in medical crisis. The past 17 years, Just Keep Smiling has helped hundreds of Alabamians, Jeffreys said. "If families have a child in the hospital, we try to help with expenses – anything that is needed to run a household," she said. "We pay a ton of power bills, gas bills, and rent and mortgages." The idea for the nonprofit was born after a friend's child died while awaiting a heart transplant. Jeffreys faced her own tragedy when she lost her first husband and two children simultaneously. Knowing the intense needs that arise during an illness, Jeffreys and her friends who have lost a child wanted to help families in upheaval. "We wanted to be the hands and feet of the Lord," Jeffreys said. "Throughout the years, we have written out checks that total more than $150,000. Sometimes we may help one family a week, sometimes it might be six families a week. We also provide gas cards for families who are on the road to see their children in the hospital." Staying busy despite the pandemic Moore said the Corporate Energizers were happy to help support Just Keep Smiling. While Energizers prefer to hand-deliver gifts, because of the pandemic they mailed donations to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Firehouse Ministries Homeless Shelter, First Light, Jessie's Place, Jimmie Hale Mission, Oak Mountain Mission Ministries, and Three Hots and a Cot. "The June meeting was the first time I've been in front of our group," noted Moore, whose role was extended to 2022 because of the pandemic. Most noticeable, Moore said, was the happiness of "all of us being together again" – the same reaction of chapter leaders at the Energizers Leadership Conference in March. After 2 1/2 years, Moore said members are "more than ready" to get to work. Corporate Energizers met in four virtual meetings via Zoom during 2021-2022, thanks to communications director Andy Sheppard Andy Sheppard. "We even had our Christmas meeting on Zoom," said Moore, who joined Energizers right after she retired from Materials Accounting at Alabama Power in June 2018. "It has been trial and error, and we discussed how to do these things at the leadership conference. Our 18 Corporate board members have been planning and have put together a list of new retirees." During the leadership event in Point Clear, the Corporate Chapter received top awards for attendance and fundraising. At that time, leaders voted to sponsor the Boys & Girls Clubs Alabama Alliance in 2023 as the Energizers state project. In November 2021, the group had its ever- successful pecan sale. "We had about five or six of our volunteers who gave out pecans at the old APCO Credit Union across from Corporate Headquarters," Moore said. "It's because of that work that we were able to help Just Keep Smiling." Jeffreys said that Just Keep Smiling can continue helping families because of the Corporate Energizers. "They've helped us several times," Jeffreys said. "I think the Energizers are awe-inspiring. They are a group that has retired from their jobs, but they choose to have fundraisers to earn money to give to make a difference." By Donna Cope PHOTOS BY WYNTER BYRD Sue Jeffreys and Patrice Brooks talk about the mission of Just Keep Smiling. Don Franklin talks with Van Horne at June meeting of Energizers. Corporate Energizers President Judy Moore addresses members. The World Games Executive Director Kathy Boswell was an honored attendee. RETIREES EXCITED TO BE RETURNING TO CHARITABLE WORK IN COMMUNITY

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