MOUNDSVILLE, W. Va., – It all started with a tree, a mantel and a table setting, and now seven local organizations have a lighter load today.

Each year, the Mitchell Plant supports the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Annual Tree Extravaganza. Interested employees get together and decorate items to be donated to the fundraiser. The group then participates in an evening of festive bidding, and bid they do.

This year, they purchased three trees, one mantel decoration and one table set decoration, which they donated to be rebid. The Marshall County Chamber raised $3,200 for the Marshall County Education Foundation with Mitchell’s incredible support. 

Building off the momentum gained from the Marshall County Education Foundation, the Mitchell Plant team got together and brainstormed about other local non-profits near and dear to their hearts. Kelly C., plant administrator, submitted and received seven grants through the AEP Caring Together Volunteer Funding Program to help organizations in the upper Ohio Valley region.

In addition to the grants they received, employees used the items won at the Chamber event to have an in-plant raffle to raise additional funds. 

Employees and contractors rolled up their sleeves and got to work gathering toys, bedding, clothing, personal hygiene items, wrapping paper, newborn necessities and other items to make sure the holidays were merry for everyone. They also completed a hands-on project at a local maternity home.

The organizations were very appreciative of the gifts and efforts. The non-profits assisted include Marshall County Parent Educator Resource Center, Marshall County Family Resource Center, Youth Service Systems, the Gabriel Project, Moundsville Middle School (Communities in Schools), Washington Lands Elementary (Communities in Schools), and Haven Maternity Home.