This year, ComEd wanted to make the holiday season a little brighter for some local nonprofits and the people they serve. Over the last several weeks, ComEd has given out $25,000 to ten local nonprofits to help them better assist people who may be struggling to pay their electric bills. The Nonprofit Giving Campaign, which launched as an extension of ComEd’s CARE financial assistance program this fall, was developed to offer relief to organizations and individuals who may have been impacted by state budget cuts. Each of the 10 selected organizations received $2,500 in ComEd gift checks, in amounts from $10 – $100, to distribute to their clients as needed.

Ed Jacob, Executive Director at Franciscan Outreach in Wicker Park, said that a little bit of help at the right time can make a big difference when keeping up with one’s finances. “It’s often just a small bump in the road that causes one to lose his or her way financially. We have found that if we can intervene early enough and provide them the right type of support, people are able to get right back on track. These ComEd gift checks will make a difference to someone who may have fallen on hard times and can use some assistance.” In addition to Franciscan Outreach, ComEd provided gift checks this season to: Casa Central, Chicago Urban League, Chinese American Service League, El Valor Corporation, Meals on Wheels Chicago, Metropolitan Family Services, RefugeeOne Chicago, Society of St. Vincent De Paul Chicago, and World Relief Chicago. To find out more about ComEd’s CARE programs, visit ComEd.com/CARE.