UNION PARISH LIBRARY RECEIVES $5,000 PLUM CREEK FOUNDATION GRANT

Farmerville, La.--March 26, 2009--The Plum Creek Foundation recently awarded $5,000 to the Union Parish Library’s Leave a Literacy Legacy campaign.  Grant funds will be used to complete the purchase of a new bookmobile, replacing the current vehicle from 1986.     

“We are honored to be chosen as a Plum Creek Foundation grant recipient,” said Stephanie Herrmann, director, Union Parish Library. “Plum Creek’s contribution is more than just a donation, it is a legacy that has the potential to inspire new dreams in the imaginations of Union Parish children for many years to come.”

The bookmobile visits five communities within the parish each two weeks.  Each year the bookmobile’s circulation provides approximately 15,000 books to children in seven Union Parish schools, four preschools, two nursing homes and a community center.  The current bookmobile is a German-made vehicle.  The manufacturer is no longer in business, making maintenance a significant challenge.  Additionally, at 8 miles per gallon it is not fuel efficient – the new vehicle will create fuel savings for the library each month. 

“Our Foundation believes in supporting the communities where we work and live,” said Steve Hanley, senior resource manager for Louisiana, Plum Creek.  “We are very pleased to provide funding that will provide joy and value to Union Parish for generations to come.”

The mission of the Plum Creek Foundation is to provide philanthropic contributions to support and improve the general welfare of life in the communities that Plum Creek serves.  The Foundation board meets quarterly to review applications submitted from organizations in the company’s operating communities.  Visit the Community Involvement page on Plum Creek’s Web site at www.plumcreek.com to download an application.

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Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation, with more than 7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and 10 wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest.  In Louisiana, Plum Creek practices sustainable forestry on approximately 473,000 acres of forestland in 15 parishes throughout the state.  For more information, visit www.plumcreek.com.