Today Nicor Gas announced its holiday fundraising drive for Sharing; a program that helps people in need pay their heating bills. As we enter the holiday season and throughout the month of December, Nicor Gas is sending a bill insert to customers in the hopes of continuing to meet the rising needs of qualified applicants by increasing donations to the Sharing Program.

"In today's difficult financial environment, Nicor Gas is committed to helping fund the Sharing Program which offers financial relief to qualifying customers who may be having a difficult time paying their heating bill due to recent misfortune, such as a job loss," said Claudia Colalillo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Contributions for Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas. "Due to the greater demand for help, we hope those who are able to make a donation would consider giving a gift of warmth through the Sharing Program."

The Sharing Program, administered by the Salvation Army, was established by Nicor Gas in 1983 and provides one-time annual grants of up to $450 to help customers who are not eligible for government assistance. The program, accepts donations from customers, employees, and the general public to assist people who may be dealing with a hardship and need help with paying their heating bills. Donations are matched by Nicor Gas, up to $175,000 annually.

How to Make a Contribution to the Sharing Program
Nicor Gas customers can make a contribution to the Sharing Program by checking the appropriate box on their bill stub and adding the amount to the payment. Customers who have their natural gas bill electronically transferred can call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or log on to their account at www.nicorgas.com to pledge a Sharing contribution. To make a donation by check, please make it out to "Sharing c/o The Salvation Army" and send it to: Sharing c/o The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 30049, Chicago, IL 60630-0049.

"Over the last 26 years Nicor Gas, employees, and customers have provided more than $13 million to help nearly 79,000 customers through the Sharing Program, and we hope to continue the program's efforts in the years to come," said Colalillo.

For more information on the Sharing Program and a list of Salvation Army offices, call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or visit www.nicorgas.com and click on Financial Assistance.

Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago.

NICOR Inc.

NICOR Inc.

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.

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