AEP Ohio and United Way of Central Ohio Launch The AEP $1 Million Community Challenge for Basic Needs

In an effort to raise awareness of the increased needs in our community and generate the contributions needed to help address them, AEP Ohio and United Way of Central Ohio are launching "The AEP $1 Million Community Challenge for Basic Needs.”

 

AEP Ohio is generously donating $600,000 to United Way of Central Ohio to help people who are struggling to meet their basic needs like housing and access to critical health care.  As part of the 2010 United Way of Central Ohio annual campaign, AEP Ohio is challenging our community to raise an additional $400,000 through December 31, 2010.  

"We are proud of the longstanding partnership we have with United Way of Central Ohio and support their efforts to build a stronger community," said Joseph Hamrock, President and Chief Operating Officer, AEP Ohio.  "When we wanted to make a special gift to help ensure that basic needs in this community are met for every man, woman and child, we turned to United Way.   We knew that the programs United Way supports at its member agencies will make the most effective use of our investment."  

United Way and AEP will make a special outreach to corporate leaders and individual donors to contribute to the challenge fund which will go to support agency programs that help people meet basic needs like emergency food, shelter and financial assistance.  People are encouraged to go to liveunitedcentralohio.org and donate online to the challenge fund.

AEP Ohio's $600,000 donation is part of its “Partnership with Ohio” fund which enables 49 United Ways and eleven foodbanks across Ohio to help people in need of food, healthcare and housing.

Carl English, United Way of Central Ohio 2010 General Campaign Chair, and COO, American Electric Power, announced the challenge during the 19th Annual Community Care Day, the largest single volunteering event in central Ohio.