Virginia Natural Gas gifts new winter coats for local children in need

Energy company joins Operation Warm to keep children warm this winter

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Jan. 28, 2022 – With the temperatures falling, it’s a tough reality that for many children across Hampton Roads, a warm winter coat is a luxury their family can’t afford. That’s why this winter, children from underserved families will receive brand-new free winter coats courtesy of Virginia Natural Gas (VNG).

Through a partnership with Operation Warm, the energy company will gift 160 new winter coats, 80 of which were delivered by volunteers recently to the Boys & Girls Club in Hampton. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, children waited inside the club while the boxes were delivered for the opportunity to choose their new coat.

According to Hal Smith, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Virginia Peninsula, investing in the children in the community is one of the most important things they do as an agency and is especially needed or when the weather turns cold.

“We are extremely grateful to Virginia Natural Gas and Operation Warm for this gift of warmth,” said Smith. “This shows every child here that people in the community care about them. Being warm helps children maintain a feeling of comfort, safety, and overall well-being.”

This is the second year VNG has worked with Operation Warm gifting a total of more than 350 coats to local children. Since 1998, the nonprofit organization has worked with individuals, community organizations and corporations to provide coats to more than 4 million children across the United States.

“You can see the joy in the eyes of the children when they receive one of these brand-new coats, in a color they pick,” said Emily MacCartney, VNG Community Affairs manager. “We are proud to be part of this initiative that makes a big impact on our community. For many of these children, this is the first time they have received a new coat. It’s heartwarming.”

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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service to more than 300,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in southeast Virginia. Consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, the company also has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Energy and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association for its safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, community outreach and educational programs, and has been named Local Distribution Company of the Year five times since 2015. The company has been ranked by its business customers as one of the most Trusted Business Partners in the utility industry according to Cogent Reports, and as a Top Workplace in Hampton Roads by Inside Business. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor.    

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

About the Boys & Girls Club
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula serves more than 5,000 youth on the Virginia Peninsula and surrounding communities.  They provide boys and girls with an inclusive and safe place to learn and grow, foster ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, and offer life-enhancing programs and character development experiences.  The Boys & Girls Club prepares them for futures with career goals and give them hope and opportunity in their present lives. Locations include Newport News, Hampton, York, Gloucester, and Mathews and give youth in multiple communities access to a Club.

Media Contact:
Rick DelaHaya
o: 757.616.7510 | c: 757.323.7366
rdelahay@southernco.com | www.virginianaturalgas/pressroom