At AEP Ohio, we believe that volunteering is more than a commitment, it’s a connection. It’s how we strengthen our communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others across our footprint. While our employees give back throughout the year, the holiday season brings even more opportunities to lend a helping hand. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that community engagement can have when we come together for a common cause.
Whether participating in community cleanup days, mentoring students or supporting local food banks, every act of service contributes to the greater good of the communities we serve and call home.
“Volunteering in the communities that we live and work in is not just about giving back; it’s about making lasting connections,” said Julia Ivinskas, director of customer experience. “These are our customers and our neighbors that we’re supporting, and volunteering gives us an opportunity to make a tangible difference in their lives.”
Here are just a few community events we’ve participated in across our footprint:
Central Ohio
NBC4 Turkey Drive: We’ve been invited for another year to help during NBC4’’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. Employee volunteers will pack Thanksgiving sides, hand out turkeys, control traffic and be part of a cheer team. This is a two-day event happening on Thursday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 22.
Newark Junior Achievement: For 75 years, JA has empowered students across Ohio with the confidence, skills and economic knowledge to shape their futures. AEP Ohio has been a proud sponsor for years.
Southern Ohio
Southeast Ohio Classical Academy Touch-a-Truck
In October, employees provided bucket truck rides for children and talked about electrical safety Southeast Ohio Classical Academy in Logan.
The school shared on its Facebook page: “Thank you to AEP Touch a Tuck for showing our students the big trucks and tools used by our dedicated lineworkers. The SOCA students loved seeing Mr. Thomas take a ride in the bucket lift!”
Meigs County Career Day
The Meigs County Student Career Day was hosted by OhioMeansJobs at the Meigs County Fairgrounds. During the event, AEP Ohio representatives engaged with groups of students from Meigs, Eastern, and Southern High Schools, sharing information about career opportunities available at AEP.
“Students had the opportunity to experience some of the tools and equipment that lineworkers use on a daily basis,” said Melissa Clark, customer and external affairs manager. “We have strong support from the DSS and service center team to support us at all these events! They are always the rockstars! Everyone, especially the kiddos, wants to talk to them!”
Ohio University Voinovich School Grant
The AEP Foundation awarded $50,000 to Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. Funds will help maintain the Voinovich School’s 2026 STEM Program.
“We are very pleased about this award,” said Jennifer Bowman, director of environmental programs and STEM Project Lead at the Voinovich School. “These funds have become an anchor for youth to learn more about science, engineering and technology in our region, at a time when this type of funding is needed more than ever.”
Packing Food
AEP Ohio volunteers visited the Southeast Ohio Foodbank in Logan and pack 550 food boxes for low-income seniors across the region.
Gallia County Department of Disabilities
AEP Ohio representatives presented a check for $14,000 from the AEP Ohio Foundation to the Gallia County Department of Disabilities. The funds will be used to maintain high-quality educational, therapeutic, and person-centered programs, while addressing critical cold-storage needs.
The department posted on Facebook: “A huge thank-you to AEP Ohio for their generous support! Your gift came at a crucial time and is helping us meet an urgent, high-level need in our program. We couldn’t do this important work without community partners like you! We are beyond grateful!”
Northern Ohio
Kent State Tuscarawas College Career Fair
AEP Ohio participated in the 5th annual Tuscarawas Valley College and Career Fair, hosted at Kent State Tuscarawas. The event attracted nearly 1,000 students, all eager to explore various employment opportunities.
The career fair not only provided students with valuable insights into the local job market but also allowed AEP Ohio to connect with the next generation of professionals, fostering relationships that could lead to future employment opportunities,” said Chase Hostetler, business services account manager.
Eight and Tenth Grade Career Fair in Knox County
AEP Ohio employees participated in the 2025 Career Quest hosted by Ohio Means Jobs of Knox County. More than one thousand eight and tenth graders from across the county attended and connected with nearly 50 local businesses.
Veterans Resource Fair in Canton
AEP Ohio proudly participated in the 8th Annual Veterans Resource Fair held at the MAPS Air Museum in North Canton. The event brought together hundreds of veterans, their families and widows to access vital services, which included VA benefits support, healthcare enrollment, housing resources, employment opportunities and more as a way of giving back to those who have served.
Safety Town in Mt. Vernon
The Mount Vernon garage was invited to bring a truck to the New Life Church of Christ in Bellville. They host what they call Safety Town, organized by New Life Church preschool program. The Bellville Police Department and AEP Ohio were in attendance to talk about safety to about fifth four- to six-year-olds.
“We explained to the kids about how to stay away from any downed line and never touch anything it may be touching,” said Patrick Simpson, business services account manager. “We also demonstrated the shuffle to get away from a down line and provided all of the little ones their own AEP ‘hard hat,’ which is always a big hit!”
