FRANKLIN—Before closing, International Paper’s employees and the company annually contributed 40 percent of the money raised by the Franklin-Southampton Area United Way.

This summer’s reopening of the Franklin mill, which will produce fluff pulp, is good news for the 27 non-profit organizations the United Way helps fund through its annual campaign.

“I hope to have them back in the fold this fall,” said Anne Bryant, executive director for the local United Way, which raised $151,280 toward its $175,000 goal during the recent campaign.

“We used to count so much on the mill employees and the company match,” added Campaign Chairman Frank Rickman. “I already talked to (IP Communications Manager) Julie (Brennan), and they are very anxious to help the community.”

IP’s closing in June 2010 resulted in the loss of 1,100 jobs. The United Way used to receive donations through employee payroll deductions; the company would then match 60 cents for every dollar donated by employees, Bryant said.

IP will have more than 200 on board when its starts up production.

Brennan confirmed the company would support the United Way.

“It’s the right thing to do,” she said. “We are part of this community and will be participating in worthwhile efforts like the United Way.”

Groups receiving grants ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 this year were American Red Cross, Blackwater Library System Summer Reading Program, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Center, Edmarc Hospice for Children, Foodbank of Southeast Virginia, ForKids, Franklin Charity Fund, Franklin Cooperative Ministry, Genieve Shelter, Girl Scouts, Graz’n Acres, Habitat for Humanity, High Street Seniors, Make-A-Wish, Ra’Gene Brittnae’ Myrick Foundation, Salvation Army, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Sickle Cell, Southampton County Charity Fund, Tidewater Youth Services, UP Center, Virginia Legal Aid, Western Tidewater Free Clinic and YMCA/Black Achievers.

In related matters, about $5,000 was raised during a Monday basketball event with the Harlem Ambassadors playing local celebrities and former high school and college players.

Game sponsors who gave money, provided volunteers, and donated goods and services were Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Bobby’s Muffler & Tire, Bronco Federal Credit Union, Burgess and Company, Coldwell Banker/Mary Lilley, Comfort Inn, Cover 3 Foundation, Crowder and White Contracting, LLC, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Don Pancho’s Cantina, Edward Jones, Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home, Engram Funeral Home, Farm Bureau Insurance, First Baptist Church, Franklin Automotive Franklin Community Male Chorus, Franklin High School teachers, Fred’s Restaurant Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Heave Ho Promos, High Street United Methodist Church, Insercorp, Manry-Rawls Insurance, Millview Consulting, Nottoway House, Paul D. Camp Community College, Rickman Painting, Rock Church School, Southampton Memorial Hospital, Southampton Academy, Southampton High School, Southern Sisters, The Tidewater News and Vic’s Signs & Engraving.