Piedmont Natural Gas provides necessary services to customers, so the company must be convenient, functional, and useful, as it does business. During winter months in western North Carolina, PNG must be efficient and effective, too, if its customers hope to survive the cold weather. 

In December 2008, PNG proved to be much more than a “useful” business. Donna Harmon, PNG sales representative, called CHPC Executive Director Cathy Swanson. Individual employees’ monetary gifts had been matched by the company, and they wanted to help 10 Hospice patients and their families who might need financial assistance during the Christmas holiday season. 

Finding Hospice patient/families was no problem; the list was filled within an hour! CHPC social workers knew who needed help and suggested Wal-Mart gift cards as the most practical way to help them. PNG asked the social workers to make the deliveries to “their” patients, to answer questions, explain how the gift cards “work,” and offer reassurance, as needed. All recipients were grateful, most were tearful, and one asked whether there might be someone else whose need was greater than hers!

Some hospice patients must cope with medical and financial issues; PNG’s gifts made it possible for them to celebrate the holidays. Others have no family members nearby; having the gift delivered provided social connection, as well as practical support.