Skidaway Island Presbyterian church has a tradition of welcoming Joys and Concerns from its members during Sunday morning services. Recently Commander (CDR) Drew Behnke, a member of the United States Coast Guard, stood to announce that many of his fellow Coast Guard members were experiencing financial difficulties due to the extended government shutdown.
Members of the church’s Mission Committee put their heads together to come up with a plan to support those in need. Working closely with CDR Behnke, the idea emerged to purchase individual gift cards, not to exceed $50, for distribution among the 420 Coast Guard members within the coastal stations of Georgia. In less than a week, cards valued at over $3,400 were donated.
As the word spread among the island churches and throughout the larger community by way of The Landings Association website, the amount of support swelled to over $5,000 and 1700 hotdogs.