Donations For Cape May Coast Guard Families Amid Shutdown: Report

Two organizations in Cape May County are helping local U.S. Coast Guard families stay afloat during the federal government shutdown, according to reports.

Seaville Fire Company's Kevin Boyle and American Legion Post 184 are partnering to help families at risk of not receiving paychecks during the shutdown, according to WHYY. Training Center Cape May is the fifth-largest Coast Guard base in the nation.

Federal employees, including the Coast Guard, were paid Tuesday but are at risk of not receiving a paycheck Jan. 15, according to NJ.com. The public can donate diapers, baby food, non-perishable foods and money at the Seaville Fire Company (36 Route 50, Seaville) or the American Legion Post 184 (4200 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood).

The Coast Guard ethics code states federal employees can accept gifts worth up to $20 from an individual and up to $50 from one organization annually.

“I think (the community) shares a special relationship and bond with the Coast Guard, and that’s something we appreciate," Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards told NJ.com. “I wanted to make sure it’s as successful but legal as possible. We’re showing (the ethics official) how we can do that and maintain our code of ethics.”

Unlike other military branches that fall under the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security and are working without pay during the shutdown.

Over 18,000 people have signed a petition to pay the Coast Guard during the shutdown. The petition needs 100,000 responses to get a response from the White House.

Getty Images.