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Nicor Gas provides nearly $900,000 in United Way grants

Warm Homes, Warmers Hearts campaign includes pop-up food distribution events

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Dec. 22, 2020 – Nicor Gas, a top 25 corporate partner of the United Way, and its employees have contributed nearly $900,000 in grants that benefit hundreds of community partners throughout northern Illinois. That funding is shared with local affiliates and organizations in underserved communities tackling issues from food and energy insecurity to healthcare, education and housing initiatives.

“Our partnership with United Way began in 1954, and from the beginning we shared a mutual interest of advancing the common good in our communities,” said John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas, who also serves as a board member for the United Way of Metro Chicago.

“We are part of the fabric of our communities, and it is our responsibility to do all we can to improve the lives of families and individuals who need and deserve it most,” Hudson said. “Our support of United Way would not be possible without the generosity of our employees. Year after year they give selflessly, and with each donation they provide the support our neighbors need for a better quality of life.”

This year’s United Way contributions include employee donations of approximately $245,000 and $618,000 directly from Nicor Gas. These grants are spread across the 25 United Way chapters located in Nicor Gas’ northern Illinois service area, with the largest being the United Way of Metro Chicago.

“United Way is the sum of the best parts of our region, including our incredible donors. With the support of long-standing partners like Nicor Gas, we're able to invest in families and whole communities, building a stronger Chicago region for everyone,” said Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “Nicor Gas’ support has been even more impactful this last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their investment brought critical resources to nonprofits, neighborhoods and thousands of families when they needed it most and will help them build back stronger and more equitably in the months to come.”

During Nicor Gas’ Warm Homes, Warmer Hearts campaign, funding supported the United Way of Metro Chicago’s Uniting for the Holidays drive-through events that provided thousands of families a meal and gifts during the months of November and December.

Nicor Gas also sponsored 12 mobile pantry trucks and pop-up market distribution events to offer free groceries to neighborhoods throughout northern Illinois. These pop-up events are in conjunction with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted fundraising and decreased volunteer support. Nicor Gas is investing in critical organizations that deliver resources to continue charity operations in service of those in need. To learn more about Nicor Gas’ charitable giving and employee volunteerism, visit: nicorgas.com/community.

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About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company.  Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with 774,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas and related home services. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit Southern Company Gas at southerncompanygas.com

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Media Contact:
Jennifer Golz
o: 630.388.3737  |  c: 331.222.8716 |  jgolz@southernco.com