Submitted by Kelly Blanchard
SMITHFIELD — A special check presentation ceremony was held recently at the Smithfield Rescue Mission, where the Men’s Service Club of Johnston Correctional Institution presented donations to Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County and the Smithfield Rescue Mission.
This donation event, marking the generous contributions of incarcerated individuals, underscores the commitment of the Men’s Service Club to give back to both their fellow inmates and the broader community.
The Men’s Service Club at Johnston Correctional Institution is made up of trusted inmates, hand-selected to represent the offender population. These men are chosen for their leadership skills and the trust they have earned within the institution. The club operates with its own Board of Directors, and through their work, they embody the principles of responsibility, community service and redemption.
Each year, the Service Club raises funds through various initiatives, including food sales, photo sales and donation drives held within the facility. Their mission is clear: to give back to the community both inside and outside the walls of the institution. Through these efforts, the Service Club not only supports charitable organizations but also creates opportunities for incarcerated men to engage in positive actions that benefit others.
Ravon Ravenell, Case Manager Supervisor at Johnston Correctional Institution, spoke passionately about the Men’s Service Club’s role, emphasizing how it gives incarcerated men an opportunity to lead, serve and make a meaningful difference.
Ravenell said the administration of the prison works with the Men’s Service Club, and this initiative helps them support each other and local charities in the community in ways that go beyond the walls of the prison.
Offender McKinney, a representative of the Men’s Service Club, presented checks of $1,000 each to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County and the Smithfield Rescue Mission. The funds will be used to support after-school and summer camp programs for youth and provide shelter, food, and services for residents of the Smithfield Rescue Mission.
