For two local charitable organizations, the Christmas season became a little brighter when the Alabama Power Service Organization delivered a gift.

Last week, the organization provided a $500 donation to the Selma Area Food Bank and another $500 donation to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

“There is a need throughout the year and this donation will help us provide help to our partner agencies,” Selma Area Food Bank director J.D. Parks said. “I would estimate this $500 donation will help us provide 10,000 meals to those who need it the most.”

As for the Salvation Army, the $500 donation went directly to those who needed help providing a Christmas to their children.

“We can’t thank the Alabama Power employees enough for chipping in for our Angels,” Salvation Army Major Mary Welch said. “Thanks to their contribution  — and the generosity of so many in Selma — we have been able to provide Christmas for all of the Angels who registered.”

Latonia Tisdale, chapter president of the Alabama Power Service Organization, said the 30-plus member organization helps different charities each year.

“When our Alabama Power customers come in our office and they see the M&M sales, and the Snicker sales, they will know that this is what all of that money goes to,” Tisdale said. “We are happy to be able to help these two organizations and really hope to raise even more money next year.”