International Paper grant to aid in Good Shepherd gym construction

International Paper’s Vicksburg Mill has awarded a $50,000 capital campaign grant to Good Shepherd, an agency that serves one of the River City’s most historic and impoverished areas.

Funded through the IP Foundation, this capital campaign grant allows Good Shepherd to complete much-needed renovations in the facility’s gymnasium, IP officials said.

“As the mill considered charitable organizations to receive this significant gift, we knew it needed to be an agency whose longevity and strength in the community reflects our own,” said Oren Ruth, Vicksburg Mill manager. “We have been making paper along the Yazoo River for nearly six decades, so Vicksburg Mill truly has deep roots in our community. Good Shepherd provides essential services in our community, and we are proud to partner with them not only through this gift, but also with future hands-on volunteering.”

A United Way-affiliated agency, Good Shepherd opened as a daycare in 1987. Today, it offers preschool/after school, school break camps, mentoring, life skills training, financial literacy and Jullia’s Place special needs program.