The Poarch Band of Creek Indians donated more than $300,000 to various state organizations during a presentation Thursday.

“It’s really a privilege for us to be involved in this presentation,” said PCI Chairman Buford Rolin. “It’s one way of giving back to the community.”

PCI treasurer and government affairs adviser Robert McGhee added the donations, made to various organizations about twice a year, is a great way for the tribe to combat negative press stemming recently from political attacks from state Sen. Bryan Taylor.

“We like sharing and giving back to the community,” McGhee said. “It’s time to let people know what we’re doing. We like to make this public.”

The tribe presented five checks in all, including: $100,000 to United Cerebral Palsy’s Camp SMILE, $100,000 for New Beginnings Ministries, Inc., $50,000 to Lighthouse Counseling Center, $40,000 to the Westside Athletic Association and $12,199 to the Dozier Improvement Committee.

The money for UCP will go to help the organization that serves more than 300 children and adults with a resident summer camp.
New Beginnings ministries Founder and President Bo Bell said the faith-based drug and alcohol recovery center in Brewton would use the $100,000 gift for more certified counselors and for the building of a new dorm.

“This contribution will be greatly appreciated,” he said. “We can’t thank the tribe enough.”

Lighthouse Counseling Center Coordinator Cheryl Hardley said the gift would be used for the organizations Stand Together Against Rape, or STAR program.

The Westside Athletic Association will use $40,000 from PCI to light the only field in Mobile designed for children with special needs, said WAA coach and tribal member Donovan Brooks.

“This is a very proud day for me,” he said.

The Dozier Improvement Committee plans to use its money to build a storm shelter and multipurpose facility, said resident Jan Cook.

“This means so much to a small community,” Cook said. “This will be most everything we need for a storm shelter. This will save lives.”