POWERGRAMS

were even people with kids getting exams. It really tugs at your heart and makes you want to continue the good that was being done that day." "Seeing services and opportunities offered to people who can't afford them was great," said Angela Juett, Ethics administrative assistant. "One person who needed legal service was so happy that after the judge assisted her, she just started praising the Lord. That was really touching." Along with providing volunteers, the Magic City Chapter raised $500 to fill care kits that were given to each client at Project Homeless Connect. Carolyn Therrell, customer accounting analyst, and Hedrick shopped for soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, deodorant, Kleenex and other hygiene products. Power Delivery employees gave 100 sealed packages containing toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss, said Therrell, who headed the fundraising project. APSO collected about 30 coats and three bags of clothing for the homeless. "We weren't short on anything because of the Alabama Power Service Organization. It was a great feeling to know that everybody got the same thing in their bag," said Don Lupo, director, Mayor's Office of Citizens Assistance for the city of Birmingham. "We just can't do what we do without the community and without organizations like APSO." Magic City APSO President Tiffany Gustin said in addition to volunteering at Project Homeless Connect, chapter members donated items for local warming stations and served lunches at the Firehouse Shelter. "We have an overwhelming number of homeless people in our community," said Gustin, analyst, IT Security Operations and Control. "It's our civic duty to help them, whether that means helping to feed and clothe them or helping them find jobs. Homeless people deserve the same opportunities to get back on their feet as we have." Craddock, who has served on the junior board of Hands on Birmingham since 2013, is looking forward to Project Homeless Connect next year. "Helping people is something that has been instilled in me by my parents," she said. "You can't overlook anybody. You have to treat everybody with the same amount of attention, respect and love because that's what God does for us on a daily basis. If I can help somebody, I need to do it." 4 Dental work was provided without cost, left. Right, Wells Cooner offers help to another volunteer. Many health exams were performed. "The community outreach that APSO provides is huge because it puts a face to the company." - Courtney Newton, assistant vice president of Community Outreach for UWCA

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