Special to The Leader

International Paper Orange Containerboard Mill has awarded $40,000 in foundation grants to local community organizations. Grants were awarded by the IP Foundation in Memphis, Tenn.

“We feel privileged to be able to assist our local non-profits and organizations in their efforts to serve this community,” said Ed Barr, Mill Manager. “We look forward to seeing the great results they achieve.”

Local community organizations that were awarded grants for the 2016 cycle are:

• CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, Training materials for advocates
• Deweyville Elementary, Literacy technology equipment
• Greater Orange Area Literacy Services (GOALS), Literacy technology equipment
• Jackson Community Center, Literacy technology equipment
• Little Cypress Mauriceville Elementary, Accelerated Reader program and literacy technology program
• OCARC, Materials for Special Needs employees
• Orange Community Action Association, Meals for recipients of Meals on Wheels
• Orange Community Players, Safer flooring for guests and actors to walk on
• Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas, Self-help material for patients
• Service League of Orange, Fine arts material
• West Orange Elementary, Reading program for 3rd graders

A new IP Foundation grant cycle will begun; the deadline for applications will be October 1, 2017. For more information about the Foundation or to apply online, interested applicants should visit www.ipgiving.com.

Each year, International Paper provides more than $10 million to support thousands of charitable organizations in the communities where our employees live and work. Company contributions and Foundation grants are a significant part of our giving strategy, as we strive to be the best socially responsible corporate neighbor in our communities. International Paper funds creative giving that changes lives with a focus on programs centered around environmental educational and literacy, along with addressing human service needs.