Nicor Gas distributes 1,600 free winter coats to students in underserved communities

Nicor Gas team and nonprofit Operation Warm bring local students warmth, confidence and hope this winter. 

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Nov. 14, 2025 – In the spirit of giving, Nicor Gas volunteers teamed up with Operation Warm this month to distribute brand-new winter coats to elementary school students in Cicero and Joliet ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Through this annual partnership, more than 800 coats, along with valuable resources and support, were provided directly at local schools. Operation Warm will distribute an additional 800 coats, bringing the total to 1,600 children in underserved communities across Northern Illinois who will receive the gift of warmth this season. The effort was spearheaded by the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program’s Community Connection Center (C3), a FREE service that connects customers with a variety of support options including bill payment assistance, energy-saving offerings, basic needs assistance and so much more. The events highlighted the power of collaboration in making a meaningful difference for families in need.

In Illinois, nearly 1.5 million people live at or below the poverty level – that is more than 12% of the state's population. Many of these families struggle to receive and maintain the most basic of essentials, including heat in their homes in the winter, food, housing and medical assistance. At Nicor Gas, our commitment to the communities we serve extends beyond the distribution of clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas. In addition to the free coats, each family was provided with information ranging from basic needs assistance options to bill payment support and energy-saving offerings. 

For more information about available services and resources, visit nicorgas.com/C3.

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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), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com