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December 15, 2003
Naperville, Ill. – 'Tis the season for Sharing at Nicor Gas where employees, customers and the company are assisting customers who are having a difficult time paying their natural gas bills. Through the Sharing Program, individuals donate money matched by Nicor Gas, up to $200,000 annually, to help those in need but are not eligible for government assistance. Proceeds are used to make one-time grants of $150 per year to families in need of assistance with paying their gas bills for the current heating season. Sharing is administered by the Salvation Army.
"Through our Sharing Program, we have helped donate more than $11 million and assisted nearly 70,000 people pay their gas bills since the program's inception in 1983," said Julian Brown, manager corporate contributions for Nicor Gas.
"Sharing is an easy way to help others, since customers and Nicor employees make donations via their monthly natural gas bills that are then matched dollar-for-dollar by Nicor Gas for up to $200,000 annually," continued Brown.
Eligibility for the Sharing program is open to persons earning more than 150 percent, but not exceeding 200 percent of the poverty level. This includes individuals who are not eligible for government assistance. To qualify for a Sharing grant, a family of four's income must fall between $27,588 and $36,192 per year. The Salvation Army determines eligibility and administers the Sharing program. To find out if you qualify, please contact the Salvation Army office nearest you.
If you'd like to contribute to the Sharing Program and are a Nicor Gas customer, just check the appropriate box on your bill stub and add the amount to your payment. If your natural gas bill is electronically transferred, you can call 1 888 642-6748 to pledge a Sharing contribution that will be automatically added to your bill each month. If you are not a Nicor Gas customer or wish to make a larger contribution, please send your check directly to: Sharing, c/o The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 30049, Chicago, IL, 60630-0049.
Government Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It is an assistance program that helps eligible low-income households pay their energy bills. Assistance is presented to qualifying applicants in one annual payment. Income, household size, fuel type and geographic location determine the amount of assistance.
For more information about how to sign-up or LIHEAP qualifications, call 1-800-252-8643 or 1-800-785-6055 for the hearing impaired, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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, reliable and cost-effective natural gas services for nearly 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. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicorgas.com.
ADDENDUM -- Where to Apply for Sharing Assistance
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