When I think about the compassion and generosity of International Paper employees, one of the first things that comes to mind is their support of the company's Employee Relief Fund.

Since its creation in 2001, the Employee Relief Fund has distributed more than $1 million in grants to employees and other victims of personal and natural disasters like the September 11 attacks, the Asian tsunamis and the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

Fortunately, the past two years were much quieter for the ERF. For some employees, however, disaster wasn't widespread but was equally devastating. Fires destroyed the homes of 26 employees, while two other team members were impacted by floods. Thanks to the generosity of International Paper employees around the globe, the Fund distributed more than $37,000 to help employees pay for new clothes, temporary housing and food.

Employee involvement in the Employee Relief Fund demonstrates the generosity of International Paper employees, and the care and concern we have for each other. I would like to thank each employee who has contributed to the Fund and encourage everyone at IP to consider supporting this valuable service for employees and their families.