ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Appalachian Power and the AEP Foundation are working to serve communities by providing funding and support.
Money was distributed to organizations whose mission reflects the company’s main focus areas including:
- Higher education for students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
- Basic needs such as affordable housing and emergency shelter
- Positively impacting communities through civic vitality
One of AEP’s Foundations’ recent donations paid dividends to the Renovation Alliance’s work in Roanoke. Some of the donated funds aided in purchasing and installing a new heat pump in a elderly woman who had been relying on a wood stove to heat her home.
Kendall Cloeter, Renovation Alliance Executive Director, said that donations they have received from the AEP Foundation are critical in the organization’s mission to improve the homes and lives of those in low-income areas in the Roanoke Valley.
The AEP Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization, which is funded by shareholders of AEP including Appalachian Power. It donated more than $2.1 million to organizations in the Appalachian Power’s region in 2024.
“Renovation Alliance has been incredibly grateful for its partnership with the AEP Foundation,” Cloeter said. “Thanks to funding from the AEP Foundation, Renovation Alliance has been able to address the emergency home repair needs of 18 neighbors in need in the Roanoke Valley area. These are 18 homeowners and households who, without AEP Foundation’s financial support, would go without heat or water or face another health or safety hazard in their home.”
“It’s partnerships like this one with Renovation Alliance that remind us how life-altering these donations can be for our neighbors,” said Amanda Cox, Appalachian Power’s regional external affairs manager.
The AEP Foundation also donated almost $50,000 to food banks in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee.
During the 2024 holiday season, organizations including Feeding America in southwest Virginia, Second Harvest Food Bank in northeast Tennessee, and The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, West Virginia received donations.
There was also a touch of holiday spirit as employees volunteered their time packing boxes at food banks, riding the CSX Santa Train around Appalachia, and decorating homes occupied by elderly residents.
“Giving back to our communities matters most to our employees,” Cox said. “We understand many organizations need monetary donations to help in their missions, but it always feels good to roll up your sleeves and connect directly with our neighbors.”
If you are looking to volunteer and know what organization email APCoHelps@aep.com to connect with the volunteer groups.