As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we reflect on the incredible impact of volunteerism and the spirit of giving back that defines AEP. While our employees give back all year long, this week serves as a reminder of the power of community engagement and the positive change that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause.
The Heart of Volunteerism
At AEP, volunteering is more than just a commitment; it’s a way to connect with our communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Our employees consistently demonstrate dedication through various initiatives, contributing their time and skills to support local organizations, environmental projects, and educational programs.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
This week, we celebrate and appreciate the extraordinary efforts of our employees who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work. Whether participating in community clean-up days, mentoring students, or supporting local food banks, every act of service contributes to the greater good.
Here are just a few examples of how our employees have shown up in the community across our footprint:
- AEP Ohio: On February 11, AEP employees “took over” the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, helping pack, sort, and load food into boxes to fight hunger. A total of 61 employees from AEP Ohio, AEP Transmission, and AEP volunteered, taking on important tasks like checking expiration dates, sanitizing donated items, and sorting them into appropriate boxes for later distribution.
- AEP Texas: Rio Grande City employees recently spent a day at Delia Gonzalez Garcia Elementary, teaching kids about electrical safety and the opportunities available to them if they choose to work in the utility industry.
- APCO: Following the recent flooding on Valentine’s Day, volunteers quickly mobilized to assist residents in the West Virginia Coalfields, particularly in Williamson. Amos Plant employees joined forces with Backroads of Appalachia to organize a donation drive for the flood victims.
- I&M: Candace Petrie, a Distribution Project Coordinator at Indiana Michigan Power, emphasizes the importance of community service through her personal volunteer efforts with organizations like the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission and Habitat for Humanity.
- Kentucky Power: Fescue Burton, workplace services supervisor, was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award from Carter Caves State Resort Park, highlighting the impact and joy of volunteerism.
- PSO: PSO's forestry team celebrated a 32-year tradition by planting 20 trees at Riggs Park for Tulsa Arbor Day, reinforcing Tulsa’s status as a Tree City USA.
- SWEPCO: SWEPCO’s Military Veterans Employee Resource Group joined forces with Telecom to deliver a trailer full of boxes of food and toiletry items for Woody's Home for Veterans in Shreveport.