YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y. (WKBW) — The partial federal shutdown has now lasted over a month and it continues to impact many individuals and families.
Among them are members of the U.S. Coast Guard who are not being paid but remain on the job.
Thirty (30) individuals at Coast Guard Station Niagara in Youngstown, by Old Fort Niagara, are some of those affected.
USCG Station Niagara is often called upon by the Town of Porter to deal with water emergencies related to boating and fishing in the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario.
"It is always nice to know the Coast Guard is there if we need them. So, we want to be there for them," said Porter Deputy Supervisor Jeff Baker.
"They need help. There is no doubt," added Porter Supervisor Duffy Johnston.
The two men have now launched a community-wide campaign in Porter to collect food and gift card donations for USCG Station Niagara.
Unlike members of the military who live on bases, Coast Guardsmen and women at Station Niagara have to live in the community and pay expenses.
Donations can be dropped off at the Porter Town Hall at 3265 Creek Road at Route 93 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m to 1 p.m. Fridays.
For those you want to donate, but are unable to make a drop-off because of illness or age, you can call the Town of Porter to arrange for a pickup of either non-perishable items or a gift card.
Several businesses in Porter are also helping collect donations for Station Niagara including the Somewhere Restaurant, Anchor Spirits, the Youngstown Village Diner and the Mug & Musket.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly takes a closer look at the community response in the attached video clip.
