PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Robin McAlester

Corporate Communications

417-625-5180 rmcalester@empiredistrict.com

CHRISTMAS ELVES NEEDED TO BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR OTHERS

JOPLIN, MO - November 12, 2014 - Since 1987 employees and customers of The Empire District Electric Company have provided holiday cheer to their elderly neighbors who are alone through the Christmas Elves program. Over the years, tens of thousands of gifts have been distributed to
elderly customers who live alone. This year is no different as over 100 elderly friends and neighbors will rely upon a generous Christmas Elf to deliver a little ho-ho-ho into their holiday.
To become a Christmas Elf, simply visit the Joplin or Branson Empire office beginning Monday, November 17, select the name and wish list of an elderly neighbor, fill all or part of their list, and return the wrapped gifts to the location where you selected the name by Wednesday, December 3. The gifts will be delivered to recipients before Christmas.
Wish lists are often quite simple and include items such as gloves, socks and slippers, blankets, stationery and stamps, pet food and supplies, and non-perishable food items. Elves are asked to limit the size and weight of boxes - large or heavy boxes can be difficult for both volunteers and recipients to handle.
Those who may not have the time to do the shopping but wish to help elderly and/or disabled residents in Empire's service area can choose instead to make a monetary donation to Project Help. This program provides assistance to meet emergency energy-related expenses. Donations can be made at the Empire office or by simply including $1 in their monthly payment.

Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE: EDE) is an investor-owned, regulated utility providing electricity, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary The Empire District Gas Company), and water service, with approximately 217,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. A subsidiary of the company provides fiber optic services. For more information regarding Empire, visit http://www.empiredistrict.com/www.empiredistrict.com.

###

T H E E M P I R E D I S T R I C T E L E C T R I C C O M P A N Y 6 0 2 J O P L I N A V E N U E J O P L I N , M I S S O U R I 6 4 8 0 2 4 1 7 - 625 - 5 1 0 0 F AX : 4 1 7 - 625 - 5 1 6 9 w w w . e m p i r e d i s t r i c t . c o m

distributed by