Power of Good

M 10 Marcy broWn's lifE and hEr job rotate around the people of Parrish: She loves the rural community and, for years, has worked to help its residents. It could be said Brown's service is an "APSO byproduct." When the Gorgas Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) decided to help kick off a better school year for kids, it was natural they'd combine forces with Brown, chairwoman of the board at Capstone Rural Health Center. Sponsoring a variety of fundraisers, members bought 500 backpacks for Walker County children. At the start of the school year, many Gorgas employees filled the book bags with crayons, paper, folders and other supplies provided by Capstone. Three days later, hundreds of children lined up at Capstone for a free backpack and smiles from APSO members. Chapter President-elect James Brown and President Greg Miller were happy to help families at Capstone's "Back2School Supplies Giveaway" and health fair. "It's about giving back – we're not just all about ourselves," said James' wife, Marcy, who has been a Gorgas APSO member for 15 years and Capstone volunteer for seven years. "When you see the kids' excitement, it's worth everything. I'm happy when I'm volunteering." Many families came in for health screenings, music and food. Attendees enjoyed vendor booths and door prizes, and meeting ABC 33/40 chief meteorologist James Spann and news anchor Brenda Ladun. Keenly aware of the importance of having the proper equipment for the job, Plant Barry APSO members were eager to provide "Tools for Schools," chapter President Amanda Lofton said. In July, Administrative Specialist Cherie Gatlin and Lofton went on two shopping sprees, buying $1,500 in supplies: crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper, notebooks, calculators, scissors and other items. "We printed the supply lists for St. Mary's Home, Dauphin Island Elementary, George Hall Elementary and North Mobile County middle schools," said Lofton, a Power Generation analyst. After supplies were divided into equal portions, Maintenance Specialist Joe Giles, Gatlin and Lofton delivered them to the schools. In October, Barry APSO members helped North Mobile County Middle School with its fall fundraiser. Southern Division APSO President Hailey McElroy said members collected supplies for "Stuff the Bus" to help Montgomery schools. Twenty Southern APSO members on Aug. 6 planted flowers and performed maintenance at Bear Elementary School. Eastern Division APSO is committed to assisting educational efforts, said Chapter President Michael Magouyrk. Bins were placed throughout the division so employees could donate school supplies. Eastern APSO bought gift cards for resource officers at several schools to buy supplies. Schools in Anniston and Calhoun and Talladega counties received donations. APSO back-to-school efforts aid students across the state STORy By dONNA COPE PHOTO By WyNTER ByRd Magic City APSO volunteers deliver care packages of hygiene items to child advocacy centers.

• Cover