POWERGRAMS

4 Statewide, Alabama Power employees are stepping up – both individually and through Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) projects – to support food banks and help residents in need. Environmental Affairs (EA) Specialist Sharon Trippany found her calling after moving from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham five years ago. When her son began playing youth soccer, his team and parents volunteered one Saturday at Manna Ministries, a food bank in Alabaster that serves people in need. That day, Trippany discovered joy and purpose in helping others. Soon after, she proposed a service project to the Shelby County sub-area of the APSO Magic City Chapter to support Manna. Like Trippany, EA Specialist Debbie Bond and other Magic City APSO members joined in the mission and quarterly volunteer at Manna. Bond lends a hand at another food bank, as well. APSO members supporting neighbors Western Division APSO members share this same commitment. Chapter President Leah Banks said helping local food banks fits perfectly with APSO's goal of supporting the community. Recently, employees held a holiday food drive to benefit the Catholic Center of Concern in Eutaw, Harvest of Hope in Haleyville and Mission of Hope in Dora. Members placed collection boxes at offices and crew headquarters, gathering about 300 pounds of nonperishable food – seven large boxes filled with canned and dry vegetables, pasta, sauce and meats. Employees also donated $255 to buy food. "Each of these organizations provides critical assistance to families facing food insecurity, ensuring donations reach those most in need," Banks said. "This project was a meaningful way for our team to give back and support our neighbors." On Jan. 20, volunteers from the APSO E.C. Gaston Chapter sorted food for the Wilsonville Food Bank in Helms Park. Gaston APSO president Justin Bailey said the project, which helps neighbors in need, is near and dear to members' hearts. Volunteers included Valencia Boyd, Amy Calloway, Jeff Fleming, Tyea Pettway, Chuck Robbins, Chad Rohrbach, Heath Sapp, Jocelyn Vigneulle, Phillip Willis and Scott Wilson. Bailey said that Robbins, serving as project chair in 2025, inspired Gaston employees to get involved. "The food bank supplies food to more than 150 families each month," added Plant Services Team Leader Bailey. "Our team helps unload 18-wheelers, sorts food and loads families' vehicles as they arrive. Members have truly enjoyed being part of the Wilsonville community and the regular volunteers have welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to support this important work each month." About 10 APSO E.C. Gaston members work the third Tuesday monthly at Helms Park to distribute food to about 200 Wilsonville families. Food is supplied by the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and is supported by the USDA and grocery stores such as Publix. The chapter expects to collect about half a ton of food for Easter, which will be divided between Sylacauga's Care House and Heavenly Smile Inc. in Chelsea. "As I look back at last year's volunteers, there have been 35 to 40 employees who participated. We have a fantastic APSO chapter with so many employees willing to help, and we're blessed by our Gaston Plant Lead Team for supporting our efforts," Robbins said, noting that Gaston Plant Manager Floyd Mayo encourages their volunteerism. "This strengthens the community in ways many APSO members find rewarding." c0mmunity service APSO volunteers help stock food banks, fight food insecurity Photos (clockwise): Plant Gaston APSO helped Wilsonville Food Bank; Western APSO's Leah Banks (right) and team assisted two food banks; APSO leaders sorted meals for Elmore County Food Pantry; and Gaston APSO's Chad Rohrbach loaded food into clients' cars at Wilsonville Food Bank. (contributed)

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