100 Club donates thousands to first responders

Posted on: November 19, 2015

Local civic organization, the One Hundred Club of Jones County presented an $18,500 check to Mayor Johnny Magee for the Laurel Police Department for a purchase of a K-9 dog and communication equipment. The 100 Club incoming president Jerry Gilbreath and past president Rand McLaughlin were on hand to present the checks to the mayor. A donation to the Laurel Fire Department was also made in the amount of $1,100 for the purchase of LED helmets. Both donations came as a means to fund non-budgeted, but much needed equipment. It is the belief of the 100 Club that no one deserves more than the men and women that pledged their lives to protect us.

McLaughlin approached the mayor earlier in the year about the needs of the police and fire departments. He inquired about what was most needed but not in the city’s budget. “Citizens of Jones County have an obligation to help our first responders,” McLaughlin stated. The 100 Club, with over 140 active members, took it upon themselves to solicit additional financial support from other civic groups, Rotary, Kiwanis and Sertoma to fulfill these needs. Added support also came by way of local businesses, Kim’s “No Bull” Toyota of Laurel and Thermo-Kool through in-kind donations in amounts of over $5000. For a small community like Jones County, the added financial support for law enforcement officers and firefighters will go a long way.