CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The YWCA Shanklin Center for Senior Enrichment received a holiday makeover courtesy of Appalachian Power employees.

The Shanklin Center is a small apartment community in Charleston that provides permanent housing for older adults who become homeless as a result of abuse.

A $300 grant from the AEP Caring Together Volunteer Funding Program helped fund the transformation, along with personal donations from Appalachian Power employees.

Maisha S. coordinated the event. "Our first visit to the Shanklin Center was for a United Way Day of Caring project earlier this year. The residents really touched our hearts, and we wanted to do something for them to make their holidays a little brighter."

The Appalachian Power team decorated the apartments from top to bottom with garlands, wreaths and ribbon and installed more than 30 strands of lights.

"I want to thank our team for their work at the Shanklin Center and all of the employees who participated in the AEP Caring Together Volunteer Funding Program," said Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power president and COO. "These small, employee-driven volunteer efforts demonstrate the giving nature of our employees and our company's commitment to help those less fortunate."

Maisha said the team plans to make this an annual event. "We will return after the holiday, take down the decorations and look forward to decorating again next year."