Each of the top five agencies selected to receive funds sent representatives to collect donations from AEV. (From left to rightDominick Geatano, Stacy Cox, David Blackburn, Pat Miller, Judy Howell, Larry Ballou, Bill Howell, Dana Tugman, Patricia Calloway, and Geneva Brooks.

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Christmas came early for Ashe County’s charitable agencies this year when American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) presented about $35,000 to local charities on Thursday, Dec. 20.

Over the year, AEV’s employees have raised $17,500 for local charities. AEV matched this total 100 percent, resulting in a sum of $35,000 that was placed into a “benevolence fund.”

Twelve different charitable agencies were selected to receive a portion of the benevolence fund, based on certain criteria.

Every employee that put in money to the fund was allowed to vote for which agency they would like to give money to. The top five agencies received the percentage of $35,000 that the employees voted on. The other seven agencies received $500.

The top five vote-getters that received money from AEV were Ashe Outreach Ministries, Ashe Really Cares, Ashe Services for Aging, Ashe County Adap, and A Safe Home for Everyone.

“I think I can speak for everyone when I say what an amazing gift this is,” said Bill Howell, who received the donation on behalf of Ashe Outreach Ministries.

Dominick Geatano, an employee that oversee’s AEV’s charitable contributions, says this money should have a “big impact” for these agencies during the present economic downturn.

“We are happy to give back to good causes,” Mark S. Van Arnam, the President and CEO of AEV.