POWERGRAMS

31 No child should ever have to go a day without food. That belief is ingrained so strongly in the Jasper Energizers that they stepped in to support Leneda Jones' Backyard Blessings group, financially and with the work of their own hands. It began in 2014, when the Jasper Energizers board began discussing uses for their hard-earned funds. Alabama Power's Energizers group is an outlet for retiree fellowship that encourages members to get involved in community service. Several chapters hold fundraisers a few times a year. Selling Priester's pecan pies is one way Jasper members fill the coffers to help people in Jasper and Walker County. "You know, when you give your money, you need to pray and know who you're giving to,"' said longtime member Jane Sherer. "I had heard about Backyard Blessings and Leneda Jones, and decided to go see what she was doing." The first time Sherer volunteered at Backyard Blessings, she was hooked. Since she first shared her experience, Jasper Energizers has supported Jones' mission to the tune of $1,500. "That girl blows my mind," said Sherer, who retired in 2005 after 29 years of service. "What she does at Backyard Blessings is amazing." JASPER VOLUNTEERS HELPING ENSURE CHILDREN HAVE BETTER WEEKENDS God Bless the Child Jasper Energizers filled hundreds of meal bags for underserved children through the Backyard Blessings program. By Donna Cope ENERGIZERS Photography by Billy Brown

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