Marlboro Collecting Food For Furloughed Coast Guard Workers

MARLBORO, NJ — Bon Jovi. Rutgers University. And now the township of Marlboro is getting involved to help federal workers who are still not getting paychecks as the government shutdown enters its 32nd day.

In particular, the town of Marlboro is collecting food, toiletries, baby items and vehicle fuel cards specifically for members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Just Monday, several Coast Guardsmen saved a duck hunter who was trapped in the freezing Navesink River. All of those men who responded are working without pay right now, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Also yesterday, as Patch reported, several local Coast Guard families ate a free meal at Jon Bon Jovi's Soul Kitchen in Red Bank.

One diner, who is married to a furloughed Coast Guardsman, was at Soul Kitchen Monday, eating with her three children.

"That's why I'm here in 7-degree weather with three children," she told News 4 New Jersey.

"We have been in contact with the Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA) of the US Coast Guard and have learned that they are in need of immediate assistance from the community," Colts Neck Twp. said in an email blast to residents on Tuesday. "Due to the federal government shutdown, the Coast Guard and National Park Service are not getting paid and they are dangerously low on food and household items."

Their Food Pantry has the greatest need for bread, rice, peanut butter, and pasta. However, they gratefully welcome any non-perishable food items, toiletries, baby care items, or food/vehicle fuel cards.

Collection bins are available in Marlboro Town Hall and Marlboro Recreation Center Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and in the Police Department accessible 24/7. We ask that you not place cash/gift/gas cards in the food collection bins, but hand directly to a Township employee in either Town Hall or the Recreation building during working hours.

For those that would like to directly contribute financial support to these families, the Veterans Foundation of America will be accepting donations. To contribute, please visitwww.njveteranschamber.com and hit the donate button. All donations are tax deductible and will go to the 501c3 Veterans Foundation of America.

Marlboro Township residents are always very generous to our neighbors in need and we are asking for your support to help these great families who protect us every day of the week.

If you have questions, please email administration@marlboro-nj.gov or call 732-536-0200 ext. 1200. We look forward to coming together as a township to help these families and thank you, in advance, for your support.

Photo of the Coast Guard crew based at Sandy Hook/Used with permission from the U.S. Coast Guard.