The ArkLaTex 100 Club, which aids families of members of law enforcement and firefighters who've lost their lives in the line of duty, is asking for the public's help.
Correctional Officer Lisa Mauldin died after an inmate attacked her Dec. 18 in the Miller County jail kitchen. Another officer was seriously wounded.
Following Officer Mauldin's death, the ArkLaTex 100 Club quickly reacted to the tragic news and made a gift of $15,000 immediately to Travis Mauldin, Lisa Mauldin's husband. The assistance given to the Mauldin family was the first such gift in the club's history.
While board president Kelley Crisp, who serves as an assistant district attorney in Bowie County, said she hopes the need won't arise, the club is asking for the public to make donations of any size to replenish the club's funds.
"The ArkLaTex 100 Club is charged with raising funds to carry on this incredible selfless purpose and be a resource to those who serve and protect the citizens of Bowie and Miller counties," Crisp said in a press statement Friday. "The first priority is to offer immediate financial support to the families of those first responders who are lost in the line of duty. Any surplus funding is used for unbudgeted items needed to make these men and women safer while performing their jobs through purchasing life-saving equipment or offering safety training."
While a donation of any size is welcome, donations of $100 or more include a club membership. The ArkLaTex 100 Club is the only citizen-sponsored charitable organization established to support the families of officers and firefighters killed while protecting the public.
Contributions may be made online at: theArkLaTex100Club.org or mailed to: The ArkLaTex 100 Club, 2801 Richmond Road, P.O. Box 100, Texarkana, Texas 75503.