JAY — Traditional holiday turkeys were distributed during the holidays to Verso Paper Corp.’s Androscoggin Mill employees, retirees and widows, with many employees donating their turkeys to those in need.

Delance White, Jim Finley, Lawrence Chicoine, Mike Luciano, Mike Timberlake and Bill Harlow delivered the turkeys to the widows of IP employees.

On Dec. 18, Cindy Bennett, Alvin McDonald, Perry Ellsworth, Ray Bryant, Darlene Marstaller, Delance White, Bruce Brooks, Earl McCormack, Sue Fournier and Tom Saviello delivered 380 turkeys to 11 local nonprofit organizations, including the Tri-Town Ministerial Food Bank; AWAP Food Pantry; the towns and cities of Wilton, Winthrop, Strong, Avon/Phillips and Hartford food banks; UBM Franklin County; Jay High School and Middle School; and VFW Auxiliary food baskets.

Jef Howell, purchasing manager, said, “Many retirees expressed their gratitude for the mill’s generosity and good will, and appreciated this year’s efforts with the economic challenges.”

Also through November and December, approximately 250 gifts for Operation Santa Claus were delivered to the North Pole in East Wilton for area children and adults.

These activities have become a part of the mill employees’ year-end giving back to the communities where they live, work and play.

Mill Manager Marc Connor said, “I am very proud of our employees and what they have been able to accomplish working with several civic and charitable organizations in and beyond Franklin County.”