PHOTOT SUBMITTED / Keith Higgs (center), Human Resource Manager for Georgia-Pacific Monticello LLC, presents a grant to Casey Ward (left) and Debra Smith, representing the American Cancer Society of Mississippi.

MONTICELLO -Georgia-Pacific Monticello presented a $1,500 grant to the American Cancer Society of Mississippi in support of “Relay for Life,” as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing local communities.

This grant is in addition to the $6,504 raised by the GP Monticello “Relay for Life” team, made up of mill employees and led by co-captains Crystal Adams and Christina Loewy. A number of fundraising activities took place around the mill leading up to the official “Relay for Life” event held at the football stadium of Lawrence County High School on May 2. GP Monticello’s team T-shirt design, based on the old television game show “Hollywood Squares,” captured first place in the T-shirt competition.

Georgia-Pacific Monticello was once again recognized as a “Signature Sponsor” of the Lawrence County Relay for Life.

“Relay for Life’ provides one of those events that brings our mill family together,” said Keith Higgs, GP-Monticello HR manager and a 25-year cancer survivor. “It’s difficult to find someone who has not been affected by cancer in some way, and this is as much an awareness of the need to continue to find cures for cancer as it is recognize the courage and dedication of those currently battling cancer, the survivors and their families. Additionally, it’s a very fun event that we truly enjoy being a part of.

“I was just one of many cancer survivors who participated in this event this year, one of many survivors who demonstrate the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and the return of quality of life following cancer treatments. I’m especially proud of Team Monticello rallying around this cause that is so important to so many of us.”

Cutline: Keith Higgs (center), Human Resource Manager for Georgia-Pacific Monticello LLC, presents grant to Casey Ward (left) and Debra Smith, representing the American Cancer Society of Mississippi).