Members of the U.S. Coast Guard have been working without pay during the government shutdown that is now reaching close to a month. The Boothbay Harbor community has quickly come together to help Coast Guard members and their families stationed in the area.
Paul Coulombe, a Boothbay region philanthropist, is providing $500 Hannaford Supermarket gift cards to each Coast Guard family from the area that is impacted.
“It’s important we take care of those who are working on our behalf,” said Coulombe. “The community has come together again to try and support our own, which is critically important. This community rallies around its people, and many individuals and organizations are taking part. This is the time to do the right thing and put politics aside.”
The Boothbay Region YMCA is participating by suspending membership fees as well as child enrichment center fees and has opened the facility for a day for Coast Guard members to boost morale.
Boothbay Region YMCA Director Andy Hamblett said, “The servicemen and (service)women in this community are a big part of our community and have children in our schools. They keep us safe on the water. They are some of the first in the community to help us with needs in our community. When community members are in need, our community comes together.”
A lockbox has been placed at the YMCA for people to give donations to the Coast Guard families.
The Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday night, Jan. 19, where people can make donations to Coast Guard families feeling the impact of having their financial future put in limbo.
