Alexandria Girl Helps Coast Guard Families Amid Shutdown

ALEXANDRIA, VA—As the child of a Navy service member stationed near DC, 11-year-old Aubrey could be relieved knowing her dad still gets his paycheck during the federal government shutdown. But she couldn't forget the families of the one military branch that isn't getting paid: the Coast Guard.

The Alexandria sixth-grader started a GoFundMe page to support Coast Guard families during the shutdown. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which is impacted by the shutdown. Other federal military branches are part of the Department of Defense, so those service members are receiving their paychecks.

"My dad is in the United States Navy and is Active Duty," write Aubrey on the page. "As a military dependent I can't imagine my dad not getting paid. I would like to help Coast Guard families by providing them with resources to help them get through this time."

The donations will go toward gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations, as well as money to pay utility bills. All donations go to Coast Guard families.

Aubrey had been coordinating gift card drop-offs and communicating with families. Many of the funds Aubrey raised so far have been spent due to high demand from Coast Guard families, according to an update shared Monday.

"She hates the idea that she may have to start turning families away or start a waitlist," states the page.

A spokesman for the Coast Guard told The Washington Post 41,000 active-duty service members and 2,100 other essential personnel are working without pay as long as the shutdown is in effect. Around 6,000 other personnel are furloughed. Personnel will receive back pay when the shutdown is over.

Anyone who knows a Coast Guard family in need can contact Aubrey through the GoFundMe page.

Image via GoFundMe, a Patch promotional partner