In keeping with its dedication to community, Alabama Power is once again sponsoring fundraising campaigns to benefit United Way agencies across Alabama.

During these campaigns, employees of Alabama Power and Southern Company will donate their own money to United Way agencies through a coordinated, company-wide philanthropic movement.

The campaign in Birmingham kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 11 with a lunch in the employee park at Corporate Headquarters.

Employees enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs as well as the company of representatives from United Way agencies providing information about their services and community impact. The Alabama Power campaign is one of the three largest campaigns in Birmingham.

In Birmingham, Alabama Power is combining its campaign with Southern Company for the first time, with a combined goal of $2,185,000, which is a 3 percent increase from last year.

Anniston’s campaigns kicked off at the beginning of the month. Employees in that area enjoyed homemade ice cream and the company of Martha Vandervoort, executive director of Interfaith Ministries, and Jim Nabors, executive director of Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Center.

Alabama Power is a pacesetter company for Etowah County and has already completed the campaign with 100 percent participation.

Last year, Mobile Division was the largest campaign in the area. At the division’s recent kickoff, the United Way presented several awards including the Heart of Gold award to Theodore Business Office Supervisor Sharon Murrill. She was recognized for her work over the years with the United Way Day of Service as well as her volunteer work at the Wilmer Hall Children’s Home.

Other Alabama Power United Way campaigns across the state have started or will be kicking off soon.

  –Allison Swagler