More than 200 Appalachian Power Company (APCo) employees put their commitment to community service into action during APCo’s Week of Service, logging more than 1,300 volunteer hours at projects across the company’s service territory and making a meaningful difference in the places they call home.

The new annual initiative gives employees an opportunity to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities and devote time to organizations serving local needs, while also reflecting a spirit of volunteerism that extends well beyond one week. Throughout the year, APCo employees are active in their communities — stepping up when help is needed, supporting causes that matter to their neighbors and generously sharing their time, talents and resources to help others.

During the Week of Service, employees volunteered with 36 nonprofit organizations, contributing their time and energy to projects that helped local families, children, schools and community agencies. From field crews and customer service employees to office teams and leaders across the company, volunteers served at locations throughout APCo’s service territory and took part in a wide range of projects shaped by local needs. Packing backpacks filled with necessities for foster children, sorting and distributing food for families, completing hands-on projects for schools, assisting animal shelters and helping agencies prepare for the months ahead were just a few of the many ways employees made an impact during the week.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is central to who we are as a company,” said Brian Abraham, president and COO of APCo. “Our employees understand that service goes beyond delivering safe, reliable power. It means showing up for our neighbors, helping organizations that make our communities stronger and lending a hand wherever it is needed. Their generosity and willingness to give back reflect the heart of Appalachian Power and the deep commitment our employees have to the places they live and work.”