Alabama Power employees honor Martin Luther King Jr. by serving the community
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the importance of serving one's community. In honor of MLK Day Jan. 18, many members of the Alabama Power Service Organization are taking part in projects to help strengthen their communities. Here, Johnetta Jackson, business office manager in Mobile Division, makes a donation to benefit a local nonprofit. (Sharon Murrill / Alabama Power)
Serving others on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18 is one way to remember King’s achievements as a visionary and pioneer of the civil rights movement. King recognized the power of service and famously said, “Everyone can be great because everybody can serve.”
From Jan. 16 through early February, numerous Alabama Power employees will honor King’s legacy through Day of Service projects. Tequila Smith, vice president of Charitable Giving at Alabama Power, said that members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) will take part in events that allow them to volunteer safely while social distancing.
“While this year’s Day of Service may look different, I’m proud of the way our volunteers are still finding meaningful ways to give back in a safe manner,” Smith said. “Our APSO volunteers are committed to serving the communities in which we live and work. Even during a pandemic this commitment has not wavered, and we look forward to serving again in person once it is safe for all.”
Members of Mobile Division’s APSO Chapter got an early start on MLK celebrations by helping to meet the needs of the underserved in their community. Members set up donation barrels at six Alabama Power crew headquarters and business offices in Mobile Division – Atmore, Bay Minette, Hillcrest, Mobile, Monroeville, Saraland and Thomasville – to assist nonprofits.
“Employees are dropping off blankets and warm clothing at the containers at our offices,” said Community Relations Manager Sharon Murrill, who is leading the MLK project. “We’ll pick up the items during the first week of February and drop them off at the Waterfront Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army.”
Several Gaston APSO members will do individual cleanups in their communities for the MLK Day of Service, said chapter President Tabetha Lemonds. The socially distanced project will allow volunteers to work on their own while beautifying their neighborhoods and community.
Magic City APSO members will take part in two community projects that allow social distancing. Starting Jan. 16 through Jan. 31, members will help keep Birmingham warm with donations for the underprivileged. Members will drop off blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and socks at Pizitz Food Hall, Pose at the Summit, Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham and YP Birmingham. The items will go to clients of Firehouse Ministries Homeless Shelter, the Salvation Army and the Boutwell Auditorium Warming Station.
On Monday, Jan. 18, Magic City members will walk a mile for the MLK Day of Service. Volunteers can take part that day when it best suits them, maintaining safe distances while walking at Railroad Park, the Civil Rights District, Kelly Ingram Park, Fourth Avenue Business District, A.G. Gaston Gardens and Tuxedo Junction.
The holiday offers a timely opportunity to take a few moments to contemplate King’s mission. Magic City APSO members can share quotes, poems and stories, along with excerpts from King’s sermons, that promote equality, justice and service. Some entries may be shared on APSO’s social media.
