Nicor Gas makes two-year commitment to Habitat for Humanity

Nicor Gas has made a two-year commitment to two local Habitat for Humanity affiliates that will help build the homes for families in the DuPage and Fox Valley areas.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with people of all faiths and races to develop communities for people in need by building and renovating houses to create homeownership opportunities.

Habitat's fundamental premise is to help others by providing a hand up, not a handout.

Under the giving pillar of "Community Enrichment," Nicor Gas will provide $60,000 to the two Habitat for Humanity affiliates, as well as provide volunteers throughout the summer at sites managed by Fox Valley and DuPage Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

By the time the sawdust settles in 2018, 156 Nicor Gas employees will have volunteered 624 hours at 13 Habitat for Humanity builds.

"This is an exciting employee engagement opportunity for Nicor Gas to change the lives of families in the communities where we serve and where many of us live and work," said Mark Knox, Nicor Gas director of forecasting, who also serves on the board of Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Nicor Gas employees helped construction efforts at Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity's first ADA-complaint home in Aurora for a family with a disabled son. They also helped frame walls for DuPage Habitat for Humanity's townhouse development in Hanover Park.

Nicor Gas' commitment to Habitat for Humanity will continue in 2019 with more opportunities for employees to volunteer their time and efforts to help build homes.

"Nicor Gas is not simply building a house or giving money to a local nonprofit," said Christopher Schindler, executive coordinator at Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity. "Nicor Gas is changing the lives of families in need, for the better, forever."