SAULT STE. MARIE — American Legion Post No. 3 is collecting donations to support local U.S. Coast Guard members affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The post, located on the east end of Brady Park off Water Street near the Coast Guard base, is accepting gift cards, nonperishable food, personal care items and baby supplies. Donations can be dropped off anytime after noon.
The effort mirrors a similar initiative Post 3 organized during the last major government shutdown, when it assisted around 150 members of Sector Northern Great Lakes in Sault Ste. Marie.
The federal government shut down Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. As a result, Coast Guard members and other federal employees have not received pay.
Bruce Osborn, former Post 3 commander and event organizer, said the focus is on helping service members who continue to work despite not being paid.
“The average E4-E5 with five years of service only makes $43,000 a year, where Congress starts out at $174,000 a year,” Osborn said. “They are still getting paid no matter which side of the aisle you are on, while the men and women in the military are not getting paid, yet they are out there saving our lives every day.”
Osborn said politics should not play a role in helping those who serve, emphasizing the Legion’s commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty members and the community.