Three more stories of AEP people helping the hungry

Among those taking part in the delivery were (front row, left to right): Stan Lieland, Scott Mattlin, Doris Young, and Lonnie Whitaker; (standing): Mike Abdon, Lanny Wyatt, Dennis Teke, Mitch Montgomery, Pam Middleton, Short Young (driver for Nash Finch), Ross Cutter, and Sonia Deshong.

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. — Imagine walking into a room filled with thousands upon thousands of cans of food — 65,000 to be exact.

Tanners Creek Plant employees, retirees and contractors don’t have to imagine it — they witnessed it. In fact, they’re the ones who received the privilege of delivering this many cans to those in need.

People Helping People, a nonprofit consisting of Tanners Creek employees and retirees, delivered the cans of food to 10 food pantries a little over a month ago.

Nash Finch Co. of Cincinnati provided a semi-trailer and truck free for deliveries to Rising Sun Church of Christ Food Pantry, and Southeast Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation in Aurora, Versailles Legion, and Vevay Legion. Pick up truck deliveries were made to Dearborn Free Store, Dillsboro Food Pantry, Moores Hill Food Pantry, Possum Ridge, St. Vincent DePaul and Quercus Grove Food Pantry.

The need for food donations was particularly high considering the state of the economy. In fact, the need was triple, People Helping People chair Sonia Deshong said to the local newspaper.

It’s a need that the group simply couldn’t ignore. That’s why People Helping People, which hosts a golf outing, luncheons and a canned food drive each year to raise funds for the needy, didn’t hesitate to work together to make the canned food delivery a success.

It goes to show just how much of a difference selflessness and collaboration can make. For People Helping People, it was another rewarding cause they felt fortunate to have been a part of. For the local food pantries, it was a welcome donation at a time they needed it most.

And for the folks visiting the pantry, it’s the gift of having an extra meal on the table. — YaVonda Ulfig

SWEPCO's Thomas Cigainero, (left) and Jill Whittington, executive director of Harvest Texarkana, in the Harvest Texarkana food pantry.

SWEPCO donates, employee assists with Texarkana area food pantry needs

MURFREESBORO, Ark. — Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) recently made a $5,850 donation to Harvest Texarkana to sponsor the mobile food pantry in Murfreesboro, and the organization’s backpack program and general food rescue assistance.

SWEPCO employee Thomas Cigainero, Texarkana servicer, helps his wife, Darla, with special events at the food bank.

“I’m very proud of Darla’s service to the community and jump in to help pack up food for delivery. I’m also honored to work for a company that contributes funding to those in need in our area,” Cigainero said.  — Jennifer Meyer

AEP Ohio Lancaster line employees donate safety award money to Foundation Dinners soup kitchen

LANCASTER, Ohio — Previously, when the employees in AEP Ohio’s Lancaster Line group garnered a safety award they would have a group meal or receive a shirt for their dedication to working safely. This past year, however, the group decided to forego their meal or shirt and donate the monies to a local organization — The Foundation Dinners. One of the employees felt this group was doing valuable work for the community. He suggested it to the others and they all agreed this was a more worthy way to use the award.

Matt Dewitt, line mechanic A, presents a donation from employees and AEP Ohio to Gary Klum, Foundation Dinners director.

The Foundation Dinners program enlists the aid of over 200 volunteers each month. These volunteers come from many Lancaster and Fairfield County churches, organizations, businesses and industries. The Foundation Dinners provides an opportunity for these volunteers to contribute to the needs of many poverty-stricken families and individuals in Fairfield County. These volunteers also become part of the broadcast system which informs the local area of the presence of homelessness in our affluent community. All of the operating funds for the dinner program are derived locally from the generous contributions of churches, individuals, businesses and The United Way.

The Lancaster employees donated their safety award checks which equated to $390 and the company matched this donation. A check in the amount of $780 was presented to The Foundation Dinners organization.

Employees include: James Hill, supervisor distribution system, Jason Stacy, line crew supervisor NE, Martin Ammon, line mechanic A (LMA), Jered Berfield, LMA, Richard Bourcher, LMA, Matt DeWitt, LMA, Christopher Kelly, LMA, Flynn McIlwain, LMA, Curtis Rose, LMA, Steven Webb, LMA, Gary Highfield, line servicer, and Fredrick Walter, line servicer. — Shelly Clark