Town of Porter to assist USCG Station Niagara personnel

Joining a growing list of community groups in the River Region helping out affected federal employees in the midst of the U.S. government shutdown, the Town of Porter will begin assisting affected personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Station Niagara in Youngstown.

Town Supervisor Duffy Johnston said that, as of Tuesday, residents are welcome to stop by Porter Town Hall with donations of nonperishable foods and gift cards. All donations will go to USCG Station Niagara members who have been working without pay since the government shutdown began.

Johnston said all items taken in the town’s drop-off campaign will go 100 percent toward USCG Station Niagara personnel and their families.

“It’s the least we can do to help our friends and neighbors at this time,” he said. Johnston noted USCG Station Niagara officials approved the community assistance effort.

Donations are being accepted at Porter Town Hall,3265 Creek Road at Route 93, during business hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays.

Businesses accepting donations of gift cards for USCG Station Niagara personnel include Anchor Spirits, the Youngstown Village Diner and the Mug and Musket. For more information on the town’s assistance, call Porter Town Hall at 716-745-3730.

Similar shutdown-assistance efforts are now underway at local churches, the Lewiston-Porter School District and select businesses in the River Region.