Local United Way receives AEP donation

Nearly 50 United Way agencies around Ohio will be able to help more families in need this spring, thanks to donations by AEP Ohio totaling $500,000. The donations are part of the company’s overall focus on issues around hunger, health and housing through its Partnership with Ohio (PWO) program.

United Way of Van Wert County received $2,605 to support health care and prevent homelessness.

“We are grateful to AEP for their support of our community,” said United Way Executive Director Deb Russell. “These additional dollars will help with health care and to keep people and families in their homes.”

AEP Ohio’s PWO program is a three-year, $15 million commitment by the company to help agencies throughout Ohio address issues around hunger, health and housing affecting Ohio residents. Last year, AEP Ohio committed $1 million to United Way agencies and area food banks, as well as contributed $2.3 million to assist families in need of assistance to pay their electric bills through the AEP Ohio Neighbor-to Neighbor program, a part of the PWO initiative, which began at the end of 2008.

Many Ohio families continue to struggle during these challenging times, AEP Ohio established the Partnership with Ohio program to provide meaningful assistance to families in need”, said Joe Hamrock, president and chief operating officer for AEP Ohio. “Continuing to partner with outstanding community resources like the United Way agencies ensures that our contribution will be effective, and will be quickly used to provide assistance for thousands of families throughout the region.”