A number of area schools and community organizations received a much needed financial boost from the International Paper Company Foundation and Riverdale Mill Friday.

Eighteen grants totaling $50,000 were awarded during a short ceremony, including 12 grants sponsored by IP employees who volunteer with the schools or nonprofit agencies.

Pam Frasier, communications director for IP, said the foundation

narrowed the focus of the grants into three categories: employee involvement, education and critical community need.

Riverdale Mill Manager Ray Thomas said the foundation review committee is composed of IP employees.

The largest grant, $8,500, went to Knox Elementary School to purchase Leap Frog Literacy Centers and additional books for the school’s Accelerated Reader Program.

At $4,189.55, the next largest grant was given to Southside Primary School to establish a math center for students in kindergarten through second grade.

Seven nonprofit agencies &045; including the Fathers of St. Edmund, Dallas County Department of Human Resources, Billingsley Dixie Youth Baseball, and Billingsley Robotics &045; were also awarded IP grants.

The Billingsley Robotics grant was sponsored by seven IP employees to help the organization obtain tools and materials so students can take part in science competitions and learn about the work of engineers and scientists.

The Sprott Volunteer Fire Department also received funding to purchase a reel, hose and fitting for the department’s brush truck, along with turnout gear for the firefighters.

Since 1953, the International Paper Company Foundation has been providing funding to schools and nonprofit organizations. This year, the grants will provide about $6 million to communities throughout the United States.

Frasier said guidelines for applying for the 2004 grant cycle will be available in January.