MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Throughout September, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) and Indiana‑based NiSource employees rolled up their sleeves to support local nonprofits as part of the company’s 15th annual Charity of Choice campaign, an employee‑led tradition focused on service in the communities where employees live and work.
Employees served as Charity of Choice Champions, organizing and leading volunteer events that ranged from outdoor clean‑ups and facility refreshes to food packing, event support and STEAM education activities. In total, 537 employees participated in 43 volunteer events, contributing nearly 1,850 hours of service with volunteers supporting 37 organizations across NIPSCO’s northern Indiana service area.
“Charity of Choice reflects who we are as a company. We’re neighbors helping neighbors,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer. “Every September, our employees enthusiastically lead dozens of events in our communities and strengthen partnerships with nonprofits that uplift our communities. I’m proud of the commitment we have shown over the past 15 years, and the lasting impact we continue to deliver.”
Volunteers partnered with a wide range of nonprofits across its northern Indiana service area, including:
- American Heart Association
- Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County
- Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana
- City of Gary Economic Dev Corp
- Columbia City Connect
- Community Help Network
- Crisis Center, Inc.
- Cultivate Food Rescue
- Duneland YMCA-STEAM like a girl
- Emmaus Mission Center Food Pantry
- Erin's Farm
- Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center
- Family Advocates, Inc.
- Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
- Fortify Life
- Gary Alumni Pathways to Students
- Girls on the Run Northwest Indiana
- Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana
- Hearts In Motion
- Hilltop Neighborhood House
- Humane Indiana
- Junior Achievement
- La Porte City Park Foundation
- Latinos Count
- Leon's Triathlon
- Little River Wetlands Project
- Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana
- Monarch Joint Venture
- Opportunity Enterprise
- Phil's Friends
- Portage Township YMCA
- Save the Dunes
- SAWS (Servants at Work)
- Sojourner Truth House
- The Nature Conservancy
- TradeWinds Services Inc.
- White County United Way
At the Crisis Center in Gary, volunteers joined Development & Volunteer Coordinator Renee Romanowski to refresh the building’s exterior with a new coat of paint.
“The building looks wonderful,” said Romanowski. “It feels brighter, more cared for and better reflects the spirit of our mission. Everyone who interacted with [the volunteers] mentioned how kind, hardworking and enthusiastic they were throughout the day.”
At Gary Alumni Pathways to Students (GAPS), NIPSCO Vice President of Gas Operations Karima Hasan Bey and Public Affairs Manager Alexius Barber led career-readiness sessions for elementary students.
Eleven volunteers rotated 30-minute discussions with 3rd-5th graders about careers in energy.
“Speaking with students was an incredible experience,” Hasan Bey said. “Programs like GAPS give us the chance to show young people what’s possible and to spark their curiosity about the future. Our volunteers were proud to share their stories and help inspire the next generation of leaders right here in our community.”
In addition to the annual Charity of Choice campaign in September, NIPSCO employees volunteer during National Volunteer Month in April.
“When we come together to serve, we strengthen the bonds that make our communities thrive,” said Parisi. “Charity of Choice is a reminder that volunteerism and giving back--in any form--can create a big impact and that’s something we’re proud to champion year after year.”
To learn more about how NIPSCO gives back, visit NIPSCO.com/GivesBack.
