by laura fenton

the selma times-journal

International Paper of Riverdale Mill awarded $45,000 to area schools and non-profit organizations on Thursday.

A committee of union workers and IP employees chose recipients. After viewing 38 applications, the committee chose 21 schools and organizations as award recipients who exemplified employee involvement, education or environmental concerns.

“We had a lot more applications than we had money,” said Russell Harris, Riverdale Mill manager. “I want to thank all of you for being a part of this and for taking the time to apply for the grants.”

Applications submitted requests online, a first-time process for the grant application with IP.

“It kind of simplified things,” said Pam Fraiser, mill-training manager.

Fraiser is sure the money is in the right hands.

“You are the ones who deserve the money,” she said. “I know the money will all be used well in our schools and communities.”

Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan received a grant on behalf of the Selma City School system.

“This is very good for the school system because it encourages the innovation and projects to address the diverse needs in the schools,” Dr. Obasohan said.

“We are indeed very, very grateful.”

International Paper awarded $3 million across all office branches.