Mutual aid charity seeks to help 22,000 Coast Guard families

Author: Rich Kolko/WINK News
Published: Updated:
Photo by AP.

With no paychecks and struggling to make ends meet, many are now asking how they can help their neighbors affected by the partial government shutdown.

Civilians with the United States Coast Guard aren’t getting paid starting Monday, and Coast Guard members will miss their first paychecks Tuesday.

Like all branches of the military, the coast guard has a mutual aid charity that raises money for service members in need. Typically, their assistance is more isolated.

But, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is preparing to help out 22,000 men and women because of the ongoing shutdown. Donation is one way to immediately help these service members and their families.

But, if you’re a business owner, offering free services or delaying payments can help. Justice Federal Credit Union, Verizon/ T-Mobile and AT&T are a few examples of businesses providing outreach and assistance during the people affected by the shutdown.

MORE: Companies offer assistance to federal workers … during shutdown

“They’re raw; they’re angry; they’re sad, and they are still standing the duty the United States expects of them,” said Cari Thomas, a retired Coast Guard admiral now the CEO of CGMA. “So anything you can personally touch a coast guardsman and say thank you in whatever way is best for you would be appreciated.”

CGMA provides detail for those interested in sponsoring a coast guard family.

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