Nicor Gas, Southern Company Gas Foundation provide $70,000 to American Red Cross of Illinois

As a natural gas distribution company, Nicor Gas employees also are first responders working in tandem with communities to keep customers safe. When an emergency strikes, like the severe weather experienced in DuPage County June 20, this critical work cannot be done without community partners like the American Red Cross of Illinois.

"Our neighbors, families and friends were affected by storms and tornadoes that have left many displaced and faced with rebuilding," said John O. Hudson III, Nicor Gas president and CEO. "We know how critical disaster relief work is for our communities, and we are proud to support the Red Cross of Illinois with additional disaster relief funds to help our customers start the recovery process."

Together with the Southern Company Gas Foundation, the foundation of Nicor Gas' parent organization, $70,000 has been granted to the American Red Cross of Illinois to support the critical work it provides in disaster relief, health and safety classes, blood collection and services to the Armed Forces across the Illinois region.

Nicor Gas has joined the Red Cross of Illinois at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School in Woodridge to provide thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) and essentials to community members and responders. Items such as safety glasses and gloves, face masks, hand sanitizer, water and snacks were distributed. The Red Cross has staged at the Woodridge school that week to offer shelter, information and financial support.

"The American Red Cross has a decades-long history of supporting communities," said Celena Roldan, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois. "The Red Cross and Nicor Gas share a partnership born of a common purpose - helping those in our communities when they need it most."

Residents who were affected by the storms and in need of assistance may call the American Red Cross 24/7 disaster hotline at 1-877-597-0747.

For more information about Nicor Gas visit nicorgas.com/alwayshere.