<body><div><figure><img src="http://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=08A2da_0K3nVCZ300" alt="http://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=08A2da_0K3nVCZ300" width="1280" height="720" ></figure>ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) -- The Elizabeth City Coast Guard Coalition opened a pop-up food pantry to help Coast Guard and federal furloughed families during the government shutdown on Friday.Service members were not paid for their last pay period and they are really feeling the effects of the partial government shutdown as they head into it's fifth week.The coalition consists of the local Chief Petty Officers Association, the Coast Guard Enlisted Association, the Chief Warrant Officers Association, the Coast Guard Spouses Club of Elizabeth City and the Elizabeth City Chapter of the First Flight Military Officers Association of America.Jose Colon, who is the president of the Coast Guard Enlisted Association Elizabeth City Branch says they opened it as a sense of duty to those they work with.“We’re all pulling together. We all raised our right hand to serve our people and that’s what we’re doing,” Colon said.The pantry includes food items, pet items, bottled water and toiletries to help ease the financial burden many families are facing.Many organizations throughout the community have pitched in thousands of dollars worth of donations to help including the NC Packs 4 Patriots, NC Veterans Core and the VFW Post 6060 which donated $1,500 on Friday.Multiple churches and the Foodbank of the Albemarle also donated.Colon says they’re grateful for all the help.“Our community has been outstanding in helping us out. We’re constantly receiving a heads up for donations and we’re grateful because we are a Coast Guard city here in Elizabeth City and not only are we trying to take care of the Coast Guard and federal employees but our city,” Colon said.They are worried that the stress of the shutdown could have a detrimental impact on some if a solution is not found soon.“In training we learn that if you’re in the worst case scenario, you have to keep morale up and that’s what we’re doing. As it goes on, the harder it gets to keep morale up. You have the likelihood with financial struggles losing a member or a spouse or someone related to the Coast Guard in that sense” Colon said.The coalition urges anyone affected who needs help to contact them. “We’re willing to help and willing to receive help,” said Colon.The food pantry is located at the Chief Petty Officers Association at 514 Cardwell Street in Elizabeth City. It's open for pick up Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.If you would like to donate, visit the coalition’s Facebook page by clicking here.</div></body>

Block Source: WAVY News 10

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ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) -- The Elizabeth City Coast Guard Coalition opened a pop-up food pantry to help Coast Guard and federal furloughed families during the government shutdown on Friday.

Elizabeth City Coast Guard Coalition opens pop-up food pantry to help furloughed families