Nicor Gas is making an additional $1 million available to The Salvation Army’s Shield of   Caring program to help assist customers in need who may be struggling in the wake of rising energy prices and inflation that have been further strained by global conflicts. In October 2021, Nicor Gas contributed $5 million to The Salvation Army to help those still being impacted by the global health and financial crises. In the span of five months, the charitable organization has distributed $1 million of those funds, supporting approximately 4,700 individuals and families in need. Nicor Gas residential customers can apply online for a Shield of Caring grant at www.shieldofcaring.com or by calling their local Salvation Army corps community center. The Shield of Caring Program builds onto Nicor Gas’ existing Sharing Program to offer bill payment assistance to eligible residential customers in need. The Sharing Program will continue to operate as it has since 1983, with one-time annual grants up to $400 for income-eligible residential customers. To maximize the benefits, customers are first encouraged to apply for assistance from LIHEAP and the Sharing Program prior to applying for a Shield of Caring grant. To learn more about how to benefit from the energy assistance options available, visit www.nicorgas.com/energyassistance.