POWERGRAMS

Providing a holiday feast For several members of the Barry Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), the celebration includes a helping of holiday joy for underserved families in the Gulf. For 34 years, Barry APSO volunteers have delivered a turkey feast to Mobile's needy. Stacy Simmons and several other Barry APSO volunteers spend Christmas Eve serving their community. Instead of dressing as Santa Claus, Simmons and about 40 volunteers travel the Port City delivering food. This year, as many families face financial hardship, a holiday meal means the world to them. Helping communities APSO's activities go beyond volunteering with a focus on mentoring, education and direct support for local families. The 2MEE Backpack Giveaway in Talladega, the Mountain Men Expedition project in Cleburne County and HEARTS of Cleburne County - TP war are on Will Freeman's short list of favorites. At the Mountain Men Expedition, Freeman and other Eastern APSO volunteers worked with Cleburne County middle school boys, providing mentorship and information about Alabama Power careers. During the 2MEE Backpack Giveaway, Eastern APSO volunteers stuffed school supplies into new backpacks to help children in need prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. HEARTS of Cleburne County brings people together and promotes small-town pride while raising funds that help Eastern residents with short-term needs, allowing them to attain long-term success. The Eastern Division Power Delivery (PD) Distribution specialist finds APSO service deeply rewarding. "It's seeing the look in the eyes of the people and communities we are able to help," Freeman said. "It's an awesome feeling to join hand in hand within a company to provide needs for the areas we daily serve. It's been an amazing experience to shine a light and hopefully leave a positive impact on the people we meet through each project." Reaching far and wide Southeast APSO's Lakeisha Russaw sees not only the impact of dollars but also how the gift of time can change lives. Russaw experienced firsthand how neighbors, churches and local organizations stepped in to support children and create opportunities. Those early examples of generosity shaped her commitment to service and her work with APSO and the Alabama Power Foundation. For years, she served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Eufaula. "This was my way of giving back to an organization that provided after-school and summer care for my children," Russaw said. She wants other kids to get that same exposure and experience. "I work for a company that isn't just concerned about the profit of the business, but also its impact on the customers and communities it serves." Connecting with others Marcus Ramsey is passionate about community service and mentorship, on and off the job. That enjoyment is rooted in Ramsey's desire to help others and serve as a resource to those around him, whether mentoring a student, working in a cleanup or handing out coats during a winter drive. He shared his leadership for ACTS4C, a project that benefited Abrams Elementary School students in Bessemer. While all these things are tied to giving back, Ramsey also helps the Alabama Power Foundation award grants to schools and nonprofits. "It's very rewarding – it removes self from the equation," said Ramsey, Planning engineer at Corporate Headquarters. "It's being able to be a helping hand to someone else and gives another way to connect with the community around you." Ramsey said that serving through APSO helps employees make valuable contacts in the community, allowing Alabama Power to offer further assistance: "When we're all volunteering, you never know what someone may share that inspires you, or what will give you insight about something you may not have known about before. While you're working on an APSO project, you never know who you'll be standing next to – it could be your next friend." Being angels for others Mercedi McBrayer got her first taste of APSO when she and other Jasper Office employees adopted Salvation Army "Angels." "After that, I just really had interest in giving back to the community, because it was very touching being able to give kids Christmases they wouldn't typically have," said McBrayer, who bought gifts for a boy and a girl. A Western chapter board member since 2020, she said it feels good to give back, whether it is her time or hands-on work in community projects. "I am thankful that our company allows us to volunteer and help give back to the community," McBrayer said. "I always tell people that's one of the things I cherish most about working for Alabama Power." 2 APSO's gifts of service bring year-round joy to communities On Christmas Eve, Barry APSO 'elves' will deliver a turkey feast to Mobile's underserved. (contributed) Magic City's Debbie Bond (left) and Koriya Padgett helped Manna Ministries Nov. 8. (contributed) McBrayer enjoys helping revitalize her community. (contributed)

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