A single act of kindness can change someone’s day. When hundreds of people take time out of their busy schedules to help others, that can change entire communities.

Appalachian Power (APCo) team members in multiple states recently participated in the United Way Day of Caring, the region’s largest one-day volunteering event.

In Virginia, a team helped assemble and distribute food boxes at the Rescue Mission of Roanoke. Each box contained nearly 60 pounds of non-perishable food, fresh produce and frozen meat.

“Rescue Mission of Roanoke makes sure our neighbors receive the support they need,” said Lacey B., APCo volunteer. “I always enjoy spending time with my coworkers, but today was special because we had fun and helped our community.”

A few hours away in West Virginia, team members spent the day fixing up women's shelters operated by the YWCA Charleston’s Resolve Family Abuse Program.

Crews painted the back porch, kitchen cabinets, kitchen ceiling, kitchen table and living room walls. They also installed flooring, hung blinds, did a bit of yard work and hauled away old furniture that was too heavy for shelter employees to move. Since some women in the shelter enjoy gardening, APCo also donated a garden hose.

“The YWCA is an important lifeline for women and children leaving dangerous situations,” said Robin W., APCo volunteer. “We were happy to help their shelter feel more like home. I feel that volunteering in the community shows how much we at Appalachian Power care about our customers.

Across APCo’s service area in the two states, more than 1,000 people, including Appalachian Power employees, volunteered at nearly 70 sites. By participating in this important day, the company you know is giving back to the community.