Published 05-12-09
Submitted by NICOR Inc.
Naperville, IL - May 12, 2009 - Nicor employees, families, and friends will support the company's commitment to philanthropy during the 13th Annual Volunteer Day on Saturday, May 16. Nicor's Volunteer Day is an annual celebration of the company's ongoing mission of contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves. More than 1,000 Nicor volunteers will work alongside community members to complete 22 service projects at 21 locations throughout northern Illinois.
"Nicor's dedication to strengthening our communities is a year-round commitment, but our annual Volunteer Day allows our employees to work alongside their neighbors as they give their personal time and talents to local non-profit organizations throughout northern Illinois," said Russ Strobel, Chairman, President and CEO for Nicor, Inc. and Nicor Gas. "Giving back to the communities we serve is a fundamental part of Nicor's corporate values, so we are pleased to work hand-in-hand with friends and neighbors to make our communities better places to live."
Also during Nicor's 13th Annual Volunteer Day, Nicor will be providing $5,000 capital grants to the Northern Illinois Food Bank in St. Charles and the DuPage Habitat for Humanity. Northern Illinois Food Bank's vision is to create a hunger-free northern Illinois and aims to provide nutritious food to all those in need through its own efforts and those of its nonprofit partners. Nicor's grant will be used for additional freezer/refrigeration capacity and warehouse space. The mission of DuPage Habitat for Humanity is to provide opportunities for homeownership to limited-income families or individuals, and their grant will be used for construction and rehabilitation of housing.
This year volunteers will help local entities by performing a variety of community service activities, including landscape renovation, outdoor cleaning activities, sorting food and household goods for families in need, planting greenery, gardening, painting, river clean-up, and repair work.
"Our commitment to Volunteer Day is taking on an additional layer of meaning this year, given the current recession and the burdens being felt by residents and organizations throughout the region," said Claudia Colalillo, Senior Vice President Human Resources and Philanthropy for Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas. "It is inspiring to see the continued level of participation among our volunteers and community partners during this time of need. I am pleased that a wide variety of communities will benefit from our Volunteer Day efforts and I am especially proud of our Nicor employees as they once again demonstrate their dedication to give back to the communities they serve."
In 2008, the company contributed through its various philanthropic activities more than $2 million in corporate and employee donations - and thousands of volunteer hours - to 1,200 organizations and causes in communities throughout northern Illinois. Nicor's 13th Annual Volunteer Day involves 22 activity sites in 21 communities across the state. The variety of activities planned includes:
Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company and is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Its primary business is Nicor Gas, one of the nation's largest natural gas distribution companies. Nicor owns Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region and the Bahamas. In addition, the company owns and has an equity interest in several energy-related businesses. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicor.com.
Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company and is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Its primary business is Nicor Gas, one of the nation's largest natural gas distribution companies. Nicor owns Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region and the Bahamas. In addition, the company owns and has an equity interest in several energy-related businesses.
More from NICOR Inc.