Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers give Stapleton School a back-to-school refresh

Stapleton School students in Baldwin County will be delightfully surprised when they return from their summer break and notice that the campus received some tender loving care from the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) employees while they were away.

APSO volunteers were thrilled to clean up the outdoor grounds and perform essential maintenance on the campus’s more than 100-year-old building last month. Because many members live in Baldwin County, it was an honor for them to help within their own community.

Chris Mayfield, an Alabama Power economic development representative and Mobile Division president for APSO, coordinated the volunteer teams.

“The United Way of Baldwin County annual Day of Caring is a fan favorite,” Mayfield said. “APSO has participated in this Day of Caring event for several years, and we look forward to participating each year, but this is the first year at Stapleton School. Our team enjoyed the opportunity to partner with Plant Barry’s APSO chapter and help preserve a beautiful campus.”

Community enthusiasm is what led Patrick Smith, an Alabama Power environmental manager for Plant Barry, to get involved. When he heard about the planned cleanup at the school, he and several other APSO employees decided to join the effort.

“It is always nice to help retain this historical school,” Smith said. “The school is also the site of the Stapleton Bluegrass Festival that takes place every fall. The annual family-friendly outdoor event has been held on the grounds of the school for more than four decades. The festival has become a well-known event throughout the country.”

The two teams mobilized at 7 a.m. and removed debris, pressure washed the building, cleaned windows, did yardwork, painted benches and raked and re-spread mulch on the playground until around noon.

As the volunteers wrapped up the cleanup, Stapleton School principal Jim Perry shared his gratitude for the team’s dedication.

“The United Way Day of Caring demonstrates the difference that thoughtful, generous and dedicated people can make in their community,” Perry said. “The Alabama Power team’s hard work and enthusiasm made a meaningful impact on our campus as we prepare for the upcoming school year and clearly reflected the stellar organization they represent. We are deeply grateful for their service and support.”

Alabama Power Service Organization brings together employees and their families who believe making a difference goes beyond financial support. With nine active chapters across Alabama, APSO members volunteer their time to support local communities where they live and work. In 2025, volunteers contributed an average of nearly four hours per person, proving that philanthropy is not only about dollars given, but about showing up and giving time where it matters most.

United Way of Baldwin County serves residents across the region, partnering with 30 local nonprofit health and human service agencies. The Day of Caring is one of the organization’s largest volunteer initiatives of the year, frequently aligning with regional service events and drives (including local United Way campaigns like the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s 100 Days of Caring).

Visit the United Way of Baldwin County’s website to make a donation or sign up for future volunteer projects.