FRANKLIN—For nearly 100 years, the Quarter-Century Society Inc. has been helping long-time International Paper employees who experience financial distress resulting from an emergency or misfortune.

The Society, which is a private, self-funded non-profit foundation, not a part of International Paper, is dedicated to providing financial assistance to its members when they need it most.

All IP employees, both active and retired, who have attained at least 25 years of full-time employment with the company, are automatically members. Years of full-time employment with acquired companies count toward the 25-year eligibility requirement, but employees of an acquired company who retired or were terminated prior to IP acquisition are not eligible for membership.

“There are many people in our community who spent the better part of their working lives helping to make International Paper a great company,” said Sabrina Townsend, Franklin Mill HR Manager.

“The Quarter-Century Society exists to make sure that these folks have a place to turn for financial assistance when other resources are not available. We provide grants, not loans, so no repayment is required. One of the most important things we want people to know is that the grant process is strictly confidential,” she emphasized. “With the exception of a very few discreet local chapter leaders involved in the grant review and approval process, no one will ever know a grant recipient’s name or the reason for needed assistance.”

If you meet the membership criteria of the Quarter Century Society and would like to learn more, informational meetings are take place Tuesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. or Tuesdsay, March 25, at 5:30 p.m.

Both meetings will be in the Regional Workforce Development Center of Paul D. Camp Workforce Development Center, 100 North College Drive, Franklin.

Please RSVP to attend one of the meetings by calling 569-4911 and leave a message.