At AEP Ohio, we believe that volunteering is more than a commitment, it’s a connection. It’s one way we can 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’re proud to 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. “We’re supporting our customers and neighbors, 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 Central Ohio:
NBC4 Turkey Drive: We’re once again helping during NBC4’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. Employee volunteers pack Thanksgiving sides, hand out turkeys, control traffic and are part of a cheer team for the two-day event. AEP Ohio employees along with other volunteers packed and distributed more than 3,000 Thanksgiving meals for families across Central Ohio. You can watch NBC4’s coverage here.
Winter Coat Drive: AEP Ohio has been a proud sponsor for the annual coat drive with Starfish Assignment and the Columbus Division of Police. Our volunteers helped unbox and sort more than 400 brand-new winter coats for Central Ohio children in need. Starfish Assignment worked with Macy’s to purchase the coats. Once the coats arrived at the Columbus Police Academy, young adults in the CPD cadets program and AEP Ohio volunteers sorted and organized them for officers to pick up. Local TV stations like Spectrum News, NBC4 and ABC6 were there covering the eight annual event.
Mid-Ohio Food Bank: AEP Ohio employees answered phones and took in donations for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) on December 10, which was designated as “Double Your Donation Day.” Every dollar that was donated this day was doubled by numerous sponsors, including AEP Ohio. Normally, for every $1 donated, Mid-Ohio Food Collective can provide enough food for up to 2.5 meals. During the “Double Your Donation Day” event, every dollar donated help provide enough food for up to five meals. If you want to learn more about MOFC and how you can help visit here.
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.
Neighbors Serving Neighbors: “Together, we are neighbors serving neighbors.” That’s the motto of food pantry and social services agency Our Lady of Guadalupe Center (OLGC), and it was fully on display a few weeks before Thanksgiving when about 25 AEP employees rolled up their sleeves to help pack boxes during the organization’s “Everything But The Turkey” event. AEP employees formed an assembly line in the warehouse, which was filled with thousands of canned and boxed food items ready to become Thanksgiving meals. The goal was to pack 500 boxes, enough to help feed about 2,000 people in need. The AEP team accomplished that in less than two hours.
“When a community comes together, incredible things happen,” Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Columbus posted on Facebook during the volunteer event. “Today was a powerful reminder that kindness isn’t just an action — it’s a chain reaction — it’s faith in action! When we show up, lend a hand, and lift each other up, we create something bigger than any one person could do alone.”
