For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 28, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: John@jgpr.net

City of Newburyport Creates Fund Help Coast Guard Families Affected by the Partial Government Shutdown

NEWBURYPORT – Mayor Donna D. Holaday is pleased to announce the creation of fund to help Newburyport Coast Guard families who did not receive paychecks due to the recent partial federal government shutdown.

The City is partnering with Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank and the 1st Lieutenant Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance fund to create The Newburyport Coast Guard Families Fund.  Donations to the fund will be allocated to the Coast Guard Foundation and distributed to Newburyport Coast Guardsman and their families to help alleviate financial hardship created by the partial government shutdown.

“As a Coast Guard City, it’s important for the community to help our Coast Guard Officers and their families in their time of need” said Mayor Holaday.  “Our Guardsmen have gone over a month without pay but continue to guard and protect our waterways.

“I am proud that so many individuals and businesses have already stepped up and reached out to help our Coast Guard families and we thank them.  The goal of this fund is bring even more resources to our families in need from the greater community.   We encourage all members of the community to reach out by donating to the Newburyport Coast Guard Families Fund and thank Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank and the 1st Lieutenant Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance for coordinating this fund and for their generous donations.”

The 1st Lieutenant Derek Hines Fund assists veterans and active duty military personnel along with their families who have incurred financial difficulties.  Due to the government shutdown, many active duty Coast Guard officers have been forced into a difficult financial situation.  

“We are pleased to be able to help alleviate some of the burden this has placed on these officers and their families,” said Steve Hines, Derek’s father and one of the directors of the Hines Fund. “This is just one of the many ways we have assisted our military and their families throughout the state as we continue to carry on Derek’s  mission of helping his fellow soldiers.”

“We are glad to participate in this effort to support individuals who make a difference in our community,” said Timothy Felter, Executive Vice President and CFO of Newburyport Bank. “Coast Guard men and woman provide essential services to the Greater Newburyport community and it is only right that we help them during this challenging time.”

Donations to the fund can be made directly at a Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank location or through the 1st Lieutenant Derek Hines Assistance fund https://derekhinesfund.com/make-a-donation/

The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank has set up an account for the fund and has kindly provided a first deposit of $1,000.  The 1st Lieutenant Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance fund has also provided $3,100 towards support for Guardsmen and their families.

For more information, contact Matt Coogan, Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office, at mcoogan@cityofnewburyport.com or 978-465-4413 x113.

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