Connections

3 thousands in Alabama in 2015 wrote to Eufaula Substations Engineer Katrina Haynes and others; "Over 400 needy seniors received gifts that represent the basic essentials of life. These often include dietary supplements, adult diapers, pest control and warm blankets. This year, more than half of our recipients requested food. This was our largest grocery purchase in the history of the program." With food and blankets high on seniors' wish lists, Crowder said employees' gifts – robes, pajamas, thermal underwear, slippers, blankets, comforters, detergent and groceries – are sincerely appreciated. Keshia Faulk, HR analyst - Southern Nuclear, said, "Plant Farley APSO supported Santa for Seniors as a way to share the spirit of Christmas with people who have basic needs." Miller Chapter President Jamie Driver said, "Making things happen for deserving people is what the holidays – and APSO – are all about." Sixty-three Miller volunteers shopped for gifts, allowing the chapter to provide presents for 344 children. Miller APSO gave $2,000 to the Arc of Walker County. Earlier donations were made for paint and brushes to produce a mural that now beautifies the Arc's headquarters. Gaston Chemical Technician Jodi Webb is inspired to bless others. She and other Gaston members worked many projects and fundraisers to collect Christmas gift money. "We're blessed to have this job and be a part of a wonderful company that allows us to do this," said Webb, 2015 Gaston APSO president-elect. "We don't want any child not to have a present under the tree." Thanks to Power Delivery- Birmingham Division employees' annual golf tourney and clay-shoot, Magic City APSO funded gifts for more than 560 Salvation Army Angels, said Erica Lamar-Coney, Quality and Training analyst. APSO members, with spouses and other volunteers, shopped for the presents at stores in Gardendale and Pelham. Magic City APSO members helped with many Birmingham-area projects. Eleven volunteers helped honor soldiers during the National Wreaths Across America ceremony at Jefferson Memorial Gardens South in Hoover on Dec. 13. Magic City APSO was a corporate sponsor, buying 100 wreaths. Members placed 650 wreaths on the headstones of U.S. veterans. "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 IT Analyst and second-year APSO board member Michael Perry. "The season is an excellent time to reflect." Magic City members supported Operation Warming Station at Boutwell Auditorium to help homeless people get a break from cold weather. 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. Gaston employees filled Christmas stockings for Vincent Elementary schoolchildren served through Backpack Buddies, a program for underserved youngsters. "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. Mobile Division employees collected toys for WKRG-TV's Great Toy Drive and Toys For Tots to benefit the Salvation Army and charitable groups along the Gulf Coast. "Alabama Power also gave funds to buy toys," said Risk Management their immense store receipt, following served through the Mobile County Preparing presents was the easy part for Gorgas APSO members, whose many fundraisers helped buy gifts for children served by the Walker County DrH. eleven Magic City APSO members and other volunteers assisted in the Wreaths Across America project. G I V I N G s N a p s h o t, b y t h e N u m b e r s For apso members, the fourth quarter is always "crunch time." at the holidays, "We don't want anyone left empty-handed," miller Chapter's beth shumate said. the entire year, members make huge efforts to raise the money that makes apso's gifts to communities possible. "our members do all of this because they desire to give to others," tan Grayson said. Barry spent $6,800 for toys for 75 children, and gave $15,000 to 10 charitable groups during its annual contributions breakfast. Funds came from barry's annual golf tournament. EastErn Collected 200 food items for Community enabler Developer in anniston. members helped carve turkeys that fed 700 families through the sylacauga alliance for Family enhancement. Gaston Donated $35,000 to help children served through the Department of human resourece, the alabama Institute for the Deaf and blind, the boys & Girls Club and backpack buddies. GorGas bought and wrapped gifts for 30 residents and caregivers at the tri-County agency for Intellectual Disabilities and helped with a Christmas party for more than 200 residents and caregivers. MaGic city supported 560 salvation army (sa) angels and gave gifts to toys for tots. In 12 years, birmingham Division power Delivery donated $308,000 to sa through clay- shoots and golf tournaments. MillEr provided gifts for 344 children, giving $42,000 to support sa adopt-a-Child, Walker County Dhr, schools, the arc of Walker County and mission of hope. MoBilE Donated to sa, providing 700 holiday meals. southEast/FarlEy over seven years, sponsored 400 seniors and disabled persons through the south alabama regional Council on aging. southErn Gave money and filled seven baskets with socks for men, women and children served by the mid-alabama Coalition for the homeless. WEstErn tuscaloosa area apso members adopted 60 angels, providing $3,000 in gifts; members at plant Greene County, the Demopolis office and Demopolis Crew headquarters donated new bikes for 30 children; and plant Greene County also donated $2,000 in gifts for 20 angels.

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