Above: Gorgas APSO’s Kim Vining (left), with daughters Ella Catharine and Annanicole, enjoyed selecting gifts for a baby girl.

It looked as though “Black Friday” came a few days early at the Jasper Wal-Mart.

But, no, the hordes of folks descending on the store on Nov. 23-24 were Christmas “elves,” in the form of Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) members. About 50 employees from Alabama Power’s Plant Gorgas showed their holiday spirit, as they shopped for 200 underserved children represented by the Walker County Department of Human Resources and the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

About 200 underprivileged Walker County children will have a merry Christmas, thanks to Natalie McClendon and other Gorgas employees.

APSO is one of Alabama Power’s charitable arms, comprised of 5,500 employees of Alabama Power and Southern Company.

Gorgas APSO President Greg Miller said, “This is about helping Walker County’s children. Impacting our communities in a positive way is what APSO is all about.”

Gorgas shoppers including Andrew Lawhorn scurried through the store, filling their carts with all kinds of toys, clothes, shoes and electronics. Lawhorn, an IT specialist, said he enjoys the opportunity to help others.

Plant Auxiliary Natalie McClendon made sure to find the perfect “full outfit, plus a toy” for her DHR recipient. Elizabeth Dawkins, watching as McClendon eyed children’s shoes, said that the APSO project is very important to needy children in the community.

“If we didn’t do this, so many kids in Walker will go without,” said Dawkins, an equipment operator whose teen daughter helped shop. “It gives me and Sarah time to volunteer together, and she gets to see how things really are.” Dawkins’ daughter joined Gorgas APSO this year.

McClendon agreed, “It surprised me to see how many kids go without.”

Santa’s helper Andrew Lawhorn (left), checks his list for children’s shoe sizes as Gorgas APSO volunteers Nicholas Vining and Taylor Ferguson search the racks.

This year, Gorgas APSO spent $125 per child, Miller said. Members raised money for the annual Christmas project through the annual Gorgas Classic Golf Tournament, fundraisers such as book sales and employee donations.

APSO volunteer Kim Vining, shopping with her teenagers, Annanicole and Ella Catharine, smiled as she viewed the items overflowing her shopping cart.

“I think I’m going to have to put something back,” Vining said. “I know I’m about $50 over. But I’m going to make sure a 1-year-old baby gets the warm stuff she needs.”