Alameda coffee shop puts out tip jar for Coast Guard affected by shutdown

Alameda coffee shop The Local continues to support federal employees affected by the partial government shutdown. They’re now accepting cash donations in addition to non-perishable food items and other necessities. 

They put the jar out Friday morning and will collect money until the shutdown ends. Members of the Coast Guard are supposed to get their paychecks on January 15th but because of the shutdown that may not happen so the money collected at The Local will be donated to the East Bay Coast Guard Spouses Club. It’s the same group that’s also accepting other donations from the coffee shop.

The vice president of the group said they’re not allowed to give money to Coast Guard members, but will use the cash to buy perishable food that can’t be donated like meat and milk.

The local is also offering 50 percent off purchases for federal employees.

Barista Alexander Zwaal said they’ve gotten some negative feedback from people but for the most part everyone has been appreciative of their efforts.

East Bay Coast Guard Spouses Club will hold a distribution event on Sunday where any furloughed government employees can show an ID and grab the donated food and other necessities they need. That event is from 11am to 1pm on January 13th at 4024 Sacramento Drive in Alameda.