DODGE CITY, Kan. — Nov. 21, 2019 — On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Black Hills Energy donated 300 hygiene kits to The Dodge City Salvation Army located at 1100 Avenue E. The hygiene kits will support the nonprofit’s mission to help vulnerable adults and families regain their independence and become self-sufficient.
“Black Hills Energy is committed to serving Dodge City and all of Southwest Kansas,” said Black Hills Energy Employee and Volunteer Shawn Nelson. “In this season of thanks, I’m grateful my company allows me to spend time outside my regular responsibilities to coordinate ways to give back.”
Nelson is a part of Black Hills Energy’s “Ambassador 2.0” program where employees are given opportunities to go above and beyond normal job requirements. Ambassadors like Nelson seek out, evaluate and implement community giving activities to assist the company with its corporate social responsibility commitment.
“Black Hills Energy has amazing partnerships in our community with nonprofits like The Salvation Army. In addition to this donation, we partner with them regularly to provide emergency utility assistance,” Nelson added. “When people are in need, they look to The Dodge City Salvation Army. We’re thankful to have their leadership.”
The hygiene kits donated by Black Hills Energy will go to support The Salvation Army’s social services food pantry program, which serves approximately 2,500 people annually. It’s one of many social services provided by the nonprofit such as rent and utility assistance, Pathway of Hope, character building and more.
In 2018, Black Hills Energy provided $46 million in economic impact in Kansas, including more than $101,000 in utility assistance. The company has nearly 150 employees in Kansas and regularly gives back to Dodge City nonprofits like The Dodge City Salvation Army, United Way, the Dodge City Ford County Development Corporation and more.
About Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.27 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.
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PHOTO CAPTION
From left: Salvation Army Captain Roberto Davila accepts a donation of hygiene kits from Michael Griego and Jose Garcia from Black Hills Energy along with Salvation Army’s Elia Davila, Black Hills Energy’s Shawn Nelson and Ralph Soltero.