Alliance Raises Funds For Coast Guard Members Working Without Pay

CLEARWATER, FL -- As the government shutdown enters its second week, the Clearwater-based Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance has launched a drive to help the more than 1,100 Coast Guard members and their families stationed at the Clearwater Air Station in Sand Key.

"As we know, the U.S. Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, which means they are ordered to continue to protect us but work without pay until the government closure ends," said the Rev. Bob Swick, CEO of the alliance. "Since these dedicated men and women and their families continue to serve to keep us safe - even without pay - TBVA has begun reaching out to its veteran community, faith groups, businesses and citizens to assist our neighbor families in their time of need."

The alliance has launched a fundraising drive and, in four days, the community donated more than $3,000.

Those wishing to contribute can send check to the Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance with a notation on the memo line that reads: "Emergency Relief Fund." The mailing address is 1000 N. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, FL 33765.

The TBVA has also set up a GoFundMe account for the emergency relief effort.

The TBVA is a registered nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible.

In addition to the TBVA's efforts to help Coast Guard families, Clearwater Utilities is waiving late fees on utility bills and a nonprofit has contributed 30 pallets of bottled water and food.

Image via Coast Guard

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