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PD Executive Assistant Debbie Self has helped with the project for more than 15 years. She shopped for nearly four hours to find the perfect gift for 16 Angels. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, Magic City and Western Division APSO members partnered with The Tuscaloosa News to help needy children served by Toys for Tots. Employees dropped off gifts at Corporate Headquarters and at The Tuscaloosa News' office. On Dec. 17, Gaston employees worked feverishly to fill Christmas stockings for children served through Backpack Buddies. "We added fruit, soap, Christmas candy, stickers, and a comb and brush," said Melissa Williamson, financial specialist. Employees delivered the gifts on the students' last school day before the holidays. Magic City APSO members helped with many Birmingham-area projects. Twenty volunteers pioneered an effort on Dec. 13 honoring soldiers during the National Wreaths Across America ceremony at Jefferson Memorial Gardens South in Hoover. Magic City APSO was a corporate sponsor, buying 100 wreaths for the site. Magic City volunteers were up early that Saturday morning to place 650 wreaths on the headstones of U.S. veterans. The ceremony was moving for IT Analyst Michael Perry, whose grandfather and uncle served in the military. "Every day we wake up free, and it's nice to honor those who served so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have," said Perry, a second-year APSO board member. "This season is an excellent time to reflect." Perry and other APSO members were instrumental to the success of Operation Warming Station at Boutwell Auditorium, which helped homeless people get a break from cold weather. Through much of December, APSO collected bottled water, toiletries, toilet paper, socks, canned goods, lip balm and blankets. Birmingham Division and Corporate Headquarters employees gave new and gently used blankets, jackets, hats, gloves and socks to Firehouse Shelter for men and First Light for women and children. For more than 10 years, Magic City members throughout Birmingham Division, Corporate Headquarters, the General Services Complex and Southern Nuclear have sponsored Salvation Army Angels. On Nov. 17, Mobile Division employees collected toys for WKRG-TV's Great 4 100% CONNECTED Anniston Engineer and APSO member Billy Davis, left, delivered Salvation Army gifts for children. CSC-South employees Tonika Heard, Latonya Tate, Jamelle Pettaway, Ronda Cherry-Smoke and Trey Kennedy collected for Toys for Tots. Anniston Engineer and APSO member Billy Davis delivered Salvation Army gifts for children.