Appalachian Power is pitching in to help food banks across its three-state service territory. The company, with 1 million customers across West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee, is contributing a total of $75,000 tol be distributed to food banks across that region over the holiday season.

“Local food banks provide essential support and a lifeline to many families when they need it the most, and this is one of the ways we can help,” said Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer. “We value our partnership with these agencies and are thankful for their dedication to helping others.”

A pair of Wheeling organizations will receive funds – Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center and the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling. Other food banks and feeding centers receiving contributions from Appalachian Power are:

· Community Foundation of the New River Valley, Christiansburg, Va.

· Feeding America Northeast Tennessee, Kingsport, Tenn.

· Feeding America SWVA, Abingdon, Va.

· Five Loaves & Two Fishes Food Bank, Welch, W.Va.

· God’s Storehouse Soup Kitchen, Galax, Va.

· Grace Network of Martinsville-Henry County, Martinsville, Va.

· House of Hope, Delbarton, W.Va.

· Hungry Lamb Food Initiative, Logan, W.Va.

· Huntington City Mission, Huntington, W.Va.

· Lynchburg Daily Bread, Lynchburg, Va.

· Patrick County Food Bank, Stuart, Va.

· Salvation Army, Beckley, W.Va.

· Salvation Army, Princeton, W.Va.

· Southern Appalachian Labor School, Kincaid, W.Va.

· Tyler Mountain/Cross Lanes Community Services, Cross Lanes, W.Va.