POWERGRAMS

Ray Lilly recently opened his home and his heart with the adoption of three young sisters. He also plans to adopt the girls' young cousin. The rapid growth in the family has led to a heavier financial load, making it more difficult to cover everyday expenses, such as energy bills, Lilly said. But with Project Share stepping in to help, the load is more manageable. "When we found out about Project Share, it was a true blessing," said Lilly, who lives in Calera. "We are a proud family, and it's sometimes hard for us to accept help when it is extended to us. But everybody treated us with dignity and respect. Project Share has meant the world to us." Managed by the Salvation Army, and sponsored by Alabama Power and Alabama rural electric cooperatives, Project Share helps pay energy bills for low-income people ages 62 and older, as well as disabled individuals. It will cover the cost of various fuel sources, including electricity, gas, coal, kerosene and wood. "Through Project Share, we've been able to help people outside our normal service area. We've helped people from north Alabama to Mobile," said John Stamps, director of Operations of the Salvation Army of Birmingham. "When people can't work, they can't pay their bills. By helping with their energy bills, Project Share allows people to breathe again and get back on track." Donations from customers are collected by Alabama Power and the rural electric cooperatives. The funds are then funneled to the Salvation Army, which works together with community action agencies in 59 Alabama counties to administer the program. Kendra Williams, executive director of the Eleventh Area of Alabama Opportunity Action Committee, which serves Shelby and Chilton counties, said Project Share makes it easier for her to help clients who are struggling to meet financial needs. "The Project Share funding from Alabama Power and the Salvation Army is a blessing," said Williams. "A $300 or $350 energy bill is a lot to our clients. If there is not enough money through other sources, such as the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, to cover the bill, we can pick up funding from Project Share to help pay the difference. We appreciate your organization and everything you do to impact the lives of our clients." PROJECT SHARE'S ROOTS Project Share was created in 1982 as a partnership between Alabama Power and the Red Cross, and later joined by the electric rural cooperatives. In 2017, the Salvation Army replaced the Red Cross on the Project Share team as the new coordinator. The Red Cross stepped down after narrowing its focus to include only disaster relief and blood donation services. Since Project Share was founded, Alabama Power customers have contributed about $33 million to help more than 385,000 families pay their energy bills. MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH PROJECT SHARE Alabama Power recently kicked off a campaign at Corporate Headquarters to raise awareness about the program and increase employee participation. Plans are underway to expand the campaign to include all six divisions. Contributing to Project Share is easy. Customers and employees can pledge a monthly donation of $1, $2, $5, $10 or any other whole dollar amount. Customers and employees sign up by marking the Project Share check-off box on their monthly power bill or calling 1-800-245- 2244. Employees may donate through payroll deduction. "For more than 20 years, Alabama Power has partnered with Project Share to provide individuals with an opportunity to give to members of their community who need it most," said Myla Calhoun, vice president of Charitable Giving and president of the Alabama Power Foundation. "One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that I get to learn about programs across the state created to help others, and each day we work with people who are making a difference. Project Share is another great example and a testament to the way Alabamians rise above to help those in need." Reaching out through Project Share can make a real difference for people like Lilly and his family. "I pray that people will consider giving just a little bit to help someone else because we never know when it will be our turn," Lilly said. For more information about Project Share, visit www.powerofgood.com. 20 COMMUNITY PROJECT SHARE DONATIONS CRUCIAL FOR MANY by Carla Davis A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY The Ray Lilly Family's special circumstances merited help with their power bill. Photos by Phil Free

• Cover