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More than 40 retirees and long-term employees of the Bogalusa Mill attended the first event for the Bogalusa Chapter of the IP Quarter Century Society on Monday, April 4, at the American Legion Hall.

The Society was founded in 1923, shortly after the 25th anniversary of the founding of International Paper. Initially, the vision was to be a social organization for those who had completed 25 years of service with International Paper. In 1950, the Society was re-organized from primarily a social organization to one whose mission is to provide financial assistance to its members that find themselves in dire financial need. By 2020, there were approximately 38,000 members made up of active and retired employees.

Mill employees with 25 years of service are eligible to participate in the Society’s social events. Retirees must have worked at least one day for International Paper to be eligible for grant assistance.

The Bogalusa Chapter is governed by Dick Green, President; Stanley Nathaniel, Vice President; Ray Thomas, Secretary; Ricky Adams, Treasurer; and Lisa Milton, Events Coordinator.

Over the past five years, the Society has donated over $400,000 to members and their eligible dependents. Grants are requested locally and evaluated based on an assessment of financial need. Assistance is given as grants, not loans, in the form of a check. Grants are made privately without attribution or publicity.

Retirees who would like to be added to the Quarter Century Society mailing list should call the mill at 985-732-8491.