GPECCF

Celebrating our "44th Year of Caring," employees at Georgia-Pacific's Palatka Pulp and Paper Operations completed our recent fundraising effort by pledging a record $80,164, which surpasses our 2001 record mark of $74,428. The contributions raised through the Georgia-Pacific Employees Charitable Contribution Fund (GPECCF) will be used to help more than 70 local and regional charitable organizations. These funds, representing a 14 percent increase over last year's total ($69,436), will be distributed throughout 2003.

More than 60 local and area businesses provided prizes for the annual fundraising drawing, with the largest prize once again donated by Badcock Furniture Co. ($1,000 value). Other businesses rounding out the top five donations are St. Johns G-M Superstore ($625), Putnam County Fitness Center ($325 value), Palatka Bolt & Screw ($220) and Waco Filtration ($200).

"The support of our local businesses has a tremendous impact on our charitable contribution fund," said Jack Jump, GPECCF co-chair. "On behalf of all the employees at GP, thank you Putnam County for continuing to care and supporting our fundraising efforts."

Among the agencies that will benefit from the generosity of our Georgia-Pacific employees are: the Putnam County Unit of the American Cancer Society (which will receive $6,846), Rodeheaver Boys' Ranch ($5,770), Hospice of the Lakes ($4,109), Bread of Life ($3,628), Cystic Fibrosis ($3,863), United Negro College Fund ($2,988), American Heart Association ($2,853), Gideon's International ($2,816), STOP! Children's Cancer ($2,779), Boy Scouts ($2,383) and the March of Dimes ($2,169).

In addition, volunteer fire departments throughout the county will share in contributions totaling $7,578, while more than $35,000 will go to numerous other charitable, health-related, research, educational, and community service agencies.

"The 2003 charity drive total illustrates the commitment of our GP Palatka employees to the community in which we work and live," said Ted Kennedy, vice president of Palatka Operations. "To contribute a record total of more than $80,000 during these difficult economic times is simply amazing and shows great caring." Since GPECCF’s inception in 1960, employees at Georgia-Pacific's Palatka's Pulp and Paper Operations employees have contributed more than $2 million to help others.