POWERGRAMS

14 member. "We have meals that have substance to them and meet physical needs. Sometimes, farmers in the area will give free produce, which gives the kitchen the opportunity to prepare fresh vegetables." Magic City President Nicole Hedrick is among the volunteers. "I'm delighted to have fellow APSO volunteers who give so much time and dedication to this worthy nonprofit," said Hedrick, Power Delivery Distribution engineer, Metro South Office. "Community Kitchens does so much for the Birmingham community on a daily basis. You feel the energy when you walk into that kitchen – everyone has a smile on their face." "Every day, our APSO volunteers continue to amaze me … it makes me proud to be a part of the Alabama Power family," Hedrick said. In June, the Community Kitchens staff and board honored its volunteers with a dinner at St. Andrews. "We wanted to say thank you for volunteering during the past years to help serve hot meals to those in need," said Galloway, a member of St. Andrews and a Community Kitchens board member since 2011. "We just couldn't do it without these volunteers." While some volunteers assist during their lunch hour, on the weekend others take on preparing and serving food and cleaning afterward. About 25 Magic City APSO members help, including Tom Austin, Ashley Danielle Barnes, Ryan Benton, Joal Bioc, Bre Boles, Patricia Brown, John Coltey, Amy Cosby, Jo A. Falls, Pam Glass, Eric Griffin, Karen Howland, Chris Jones, Kelly Kamm, Angela Kendrick, Ann Lileton, Mark Pra, Lonnie Ray, Kathy Stoudenmire, Elaine Vandegri, Russ Ward, David Williams, Galloway and Hedrick. Jeanty is among those who keep the nonprofit running like clockwork. "I make sure we have the food we need," Jeanty said. She oversees the cook and dishwasher, who are full-time staff, as well as four to five volunteers who assist daily. Community Kitchens doesn't charge anyone for meals. Though the organization is a nonprofit, it pays for clients' food. "Each meal costs about $5.40," Jeanty said. "We have different food sources. We purchase the food, at a reduced rate, from the Community Food Bank of Alabama and receive food donations. The pork loin we served today was on sale, which helped make that meal possible. "Our vegetables are canned, but we want to fold in fresh fruits and vegetables to the menu this summer," she said. "We want to put a little more love in it." The cook sets a different menu weekly. The organization doesn't have staff to pick up food donations from people's homes. Jeanty encourages food drives that help build the kitchen's reserves, allowing gifts of food to families that come in with children. Knowing that people get hungry all over again is an issue Jeanty tries to combat. "It's hard for parents to come in with their kids," she said. "I try to make sure that we have snacks like granola bars, pudding, fruit cups – even MoonPies – so later on, the kids can have something to eat." "The goal is lifting the community and lifting people's spirits to motivate them to be the best they can," said Galloway, Compliance coordinator - Transmission. "Part of our mission is to see the community rise, rather than remain stagnant. In some instances, we've found housing and employment for people, working collaboratively with other agencies. Various organizations such as employment agencies and others have stepped in to lift the spirits of those receiving a hot meal. Personally, it's fulfilling to give of myself to see the community built up." Giving a helping hand to the homeless and working poor is a driving force for Jeanty. She believes that it is everyone's responsibility to make neighborhoods safer, while strengthening communities. "I love my job," Jeanty said. "Every day, I wake up and I can safely say I am doing something with a purpose, which is coming in and feeding those among us who are really in need. We call them guests for a reason. We want them to walk in the door and not just be fed, but have their spirit fed, a moment of kindness, and a moment where they're not invisible. When you deal with people in need, people who are underserved, you are dealing with something that is everyone's greatest fear. "There, but for the grace of God, go I," Jeanty said. "I want to thank all of Alabama Power's employees who help us. For Birmingham's homeless, you're making their corner of the world a better place." Magic City APSO members prepare lunch, at left, and Galloway confers with the cook. Galloway serves a guest.

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