International Paper Foundation Donates $750,000 to Red Cross Disaster Relief

Grant to go directly to South Carolina Flood Relief

(Memphis, TN) Wednesday, October 14, 2015 — International Paper Foundation has made a $750,000 donation to the American Red Cross in response to the recent flooding in South Carolina.  Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the global paper and packaging company has 11 facilities and approximately 2,000 employees in South Carolina.

"Ensuring the safety and welfare of employees and our communities is the most important thing that we do as a company," said Mark Sutton, Chairman & CEO, International Paper.  "We appreciate the assistance the state has provided during this crisis to 2,000 IP employees who call South Carolina home. We hope these contributions help provide relief to the many families who have been impacted."

The American Red Cross is working day and night to help people across the Carolinas after the devastating flooding has left thousands of people without a place to stay. Red Cross workers are continuing to help families stay safe and dry by opening shelters and providing meals and emotional support. In the past two weeks 35 shelters have been opened in South Carolina where residents can find a safe and dry place to sleep, food to eat, health services and emotional support. More than 500 Red Cross workers, 23 response vehicles and shelter supplies for 5,000 people have been mobilized for South Carolina. Health services workers are helping with lost medications and eyeglasses and minor first aid needs. Mental health services workers are providing emotional support during this difficult time.

In areas where flood waters have receded, the Red Cross is distributing relief items such as comfort kits containing personal hygiene items as well as cleaning supplies. Volunteers are working closely with government officials and community partners to ensure people receive the help they need in the Carolinas.

“The devastation of this flooding required an immediate response by the Red Cross,” said Brad Kieserman, Vice President, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the American Red Cross. “Our workers and volunteers have been at the scene providing sheltering, meals, comfort and emotional support. This disaster will necessitate an ongoing delivery of supplies and services over the next several weeks and possibly months. We simply couldn’t do this work without the generosity of our donors, including International Paper Foundation.”

For more information about the relief efforts in South Carolina, please contact the Red Cross at (901) 726-1690 or visit www.redcross.org/tn/memphis.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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