Alabama Power Service Organization celebrates season of giving with 12 Days of APSO project in East Alabama

The holiday season is all about giving. Whether that be physical items like toys for children or clothes and food for those in need, or more intangible things like acts of service and volunteering, giving to family, friends and even strangers is a Christmas tradition around the world.

To celebrate the spirit of giving this year, the Eastern Division chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) conducted its first-ever 12 Days of APSO. This initiative consisted of multiple service projects over the course of two weeks in early December, giving back to communities across east Alabama.

“What started as a vision to spread joy and hope throughout our Eastern Division communities became a heartfelt effort that reminded us of the power of compassion and teamwork,” said Julie Couch, president of Eastern Division’s APSO chapter. “Over 12 meaningful days, our members reached hearts and touched lives across the region. We spent time loving on nursing home residents, supporting those experiencing homelessness, bringing smiles to children and families, showing appreciation to our first responders and helping to fight food insecurity. Every act of kindness reflected the true spirit of APSO and the difference we can make when we come together.”

Projects included battling food insecurity in partnership with SAFE in Sylacauga, Manna in Gadsden and the Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center (JCOC), in addition to gathering gifts for Angel Tree and conducting a toy drive in Pell City. Volunteers also collected food for the Randolph County Learning Center and delivered stockings to local nursing homes in Gadsden and Cleburne County.

Other projects included supporting the annual Christmas for Kids event hosted by the Roanoke Pilot Club in Randolph County. Since its start in 1984, the Christmas for Kids event provides toys and clothes to foster and underprivileged children in the area for Christmas. This year, toys, clothes and other presents — including bicycles and basketball hoops — were distributed to 254 kids in need.

“Events like this make a real, immediate impact,” said Shelby Johnson, customer service representative for Alabama Power. “More than 160 families were helped this year, and for many of them, these gifts make a huge difference during the holiday season. Beyond the toys, it brings hope and a sense of community, and it shows families they are seen and supported.”

APSO members helped collect and organize toys before putting them in bags while also being present to distribute gifts to families.

“It is extremely important for APSO to stay involved in the communities we serve,” Johnson said. “We are more than just Alabama Power employees: we are neighbors, friends, and members of these towns. Giving back is part of who we are as an organization. Projects like this help us support families directly, build relationships, and show that we care about the well-being of our communities.” 

Volunteers continued with the 12 Days of APSO, giving Gadsden first responders a token of appreciation by providing donuts and coffee to the Southside Police Department and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s the holiday season and you want to bring joy around the holiday season, and this is just something to really celebrate them and celebrate what they do,” said Amanda Summers, distribution engineer in Gadsden. “Really show them that Alabama Power cares about what they do and really appreciate them. So, it’s just kind of a good little pick-me-up for them.”

While this initiative focused on giving back during the holidays, the Alabama Power Service Organization works year-round to perform acts of service in communities across the state. In 2024 alone, 6,200 members across nine chapters recorded over 17,000 volunteer hours.

If you would like to learn more about APSO and its efforts, visit powerofgood.com/our-work.

“At Alabama Power, we focus on serving our customers with energy, with light — it’s our way of connecting with them,” said Kelsey Wilson, another distribution engineer in Gadsden. “It’s very similar with APSO — it’s how we connect more with our communities, and we just hope to continue to support them in that way and personally, it has filled me with a lot of light and a lot of warmth — much like electricity does in everyone’s homes. It’s just a small, simple way to say we’re thinking of others and we value them — especially their contributions to the community.”