Editorial Staff.
As many of you know, the US Coast Guard is the only branch of the US Military that is going without pay during the partial government shutdown, because it is part of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense. Many people across Connecticut are showing their support for the Coast Guard, whose academy is located in New London, Connecticut. There have been stories of Flanders Fish Market offering free fish & chips to Coasties, restaurants offering discounts to members of the Coast Guard, and a food bank was set up at the Academy. In Haddam, people are also collecting for the Coast Guard. Neal Perron, of Haddam Neck, is collecting items such as gift cards, non-perishable food, and health care items for the Coast Guard.
One place that will be a drop-off point will be Fireworks Hearth & Home at 112 Bridge Road, Haddam, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you cannot get there, but have something you would like to donate, please contact Neal Perron at 860-478-0370. The collected items will be handed off to the Chief Petty Officers Association on Thursday night, though this can become a weekly donation as long as the government shutdown continues, if Haddam residents will support it.
According to a Jan. 17, 2019 Facebook post, Steady Habits Brewing Company, located in Tylerville, offers “a free beer to all furloughed government employees this weekend and every weekend while the shutdown continues. This extends to all Coast Guard personnel as well. Come in and have a drink on us.”
Updated Jan. 23, 2019: Neal Perron picked up the first batch of donations at Fireworks (photo above) to deliver to the Bollard Crew and other USCG personnel tonight. The support is appreciated.
Photo of donation by Lori Maggi. Other photos by Neal Perron.
