Alabama Power’s local office handed out around 200 bags of school supplies to school-aged children Thursday as part of their annual back to school drive.

Aubrey Carter, manager of the office, said the office has been participating in the drive for the last few years, and it’s always a highlight for employees and the families they help out.

“Alabama Power has a service organization called Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO). That’s our opportunity to give back. More than just cash, we give back in time served, hours,” Carter said. “The back to school drive is something that we’ve all enjoyed doing, and we just seek to do that every year just to give back. Everyone here really gets excited about this time of year and getting those bags together and preparing them to give to the kids when they come in with their parents.”

The bags were stuffed with pencils, paper, erasers, pens and more depending on what grade the child is going in to.

“There’s so many supplies needed in schools, and everybody doesn’t quite have what they need, so it’s always helpful. It doesn’t get them through their whole semester, but every little bit counts.”

Ashley Jones, a customer service representative at Alabama Power and the chapter chair for Selma and Marion APSO, organized the event and spent a lot of time gathering money to go and get supplies and put the bags together with her coworkers.

“I spent several days using my lunch to go to different places and shop,” Jones said.

“We have lots of fun, getting everything together.”

Jones said it’s a lot of work, but it’s always worth it to see the kids come through and get their supplies.

“It’s exciting to see their smiles when they come in and know that we’re helping them in a way, even if it’s not enough to last them all year, just to get them started with a few items … it just makes you feel good to help them,” Jones said.

“It makes me feel great because education is a key part in life and once you get that education it can really take you far.”