In the aftermath of two storms that ravaged states in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, the Maine fishing community demonstrates the tenacity and cooperation that define their way of life by banding together to share resources during times of need. Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation in North Carolina, destroying entire communities. According to sources, the overall damage is believed to be between $20 billion and $34 billion, and rescue attempts have continued for weeks after the hurricane. Many people from across the United States have donated to non-profit organizations, ensuring that North Carolina and Tennessee residents have the resources they need to rebuild their homes and lives.
Professional fishermen from Deer Isle, Maine, Kathleen Kirby and her husband, Jacob Schreiner, found inspiration in something they wear every day: boots. Over the last few weeks, their plan to help the devastated communities has gathered traction. The project, which began as a personal response to friends living in disaster-affected areas, has quickly grown into a worldwide effort driven by community participation and compassion. Kirby calls the effort “Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground.”
Kirby and Schreiner have fished in a variety of industries, including bairdi crab (Tanner crab) in Alaska and lobstering off the coast of Maine. The pair decided to take time off from fishing for the first time in two years. This provided them time to come up with the concept of collecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for people helping with cleanup efforts in North Carolina.
“I noticed someone write that they needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for cleaning up, which prompted me to bring boots from Maine. “Everyone I know has extra boots here, so that’s how the idea started,” Kirby explained.
As commercial fishermen, the pair knew they had spare boots laying around. They resolved to spend the remainder of their vacation delivering goods to more than simply friends in need. “We recognized the gear surplus in Maine’s fishing communities, and that’s when we realized we could really help,” she told me.
After posting on her personal Facebook page and a local Facebook group, she quickly realized how much support she would receive from numerous villages along Maine’s coast, as well as local businesses willing to help. The response was astounding, and Kirby highlighted how businesses such as Moody’s Seafood and Brooks Trap Mill stepped in, offering their premises as drop-off points. “I didn’t have to do much work because everyone just helped organize themselves,” she stated gratefully. Heather Sprague, who arrived every day, assisted in sanitizing the boots at the Brooks Trap Mill warehouse.
This collaborative endeavor represents the greater spirit of the fishing community. Kirby emphasized that, despite financial limits, many supporters have generously sent high-quality footwear. “The volunteer fire department from Thomaston, Maine, donated five pairs of fire boots,” she said, demonstrating a communal spirit that extends beyond the coastal fishing community.
However, arranging donation locations proved to be a challenge. With small towns in North Carolina dealing with considerable devastation, getting supplies to those in need became crucial. Kirby and Schreiner’s strategy entailed collaborating closely with local connections in North Carolina to expedite the contribution process. “We’re using my friend Erica’s farm in Spring Creek as a hub for organizing the boots before distribution,” she told me. Erica’s property is a strategic location with necessary amenities, making it a suitable staging ground for relief efforts.
Despite the outstanding community response, the situation in North Carolina is still terrible. Many people are struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane, enduring unsafe conditions as they work to clean up. Kirby described her talks with local volunteers who, although overburdened, showed perseverance and determination. “They’re still out in the field rescuing people, working with holes in their boots,” she remarked, underscoring their necessity. “They are sacrificing their own supplies for others, and they are refusing any medical assistance, which includes medical supplies to help with blisters and worse injuries.” They are simply working through the pain.”
Kirby described how residents in the region feel despondent. “It’s a huge task to ask volunteers to assist in cleaning up this mess. They’re on day 13 or so, still looking for everyone who went missing.” It is devastating.” The couple intends to count what they have collected for boots so far, transport them to North Carolina in a U-Haul, and distribute them to those in need.
While the first focus is on collecting and distributing boots in this specific location, Kirby is planning subsequent drives to address ongoing needs. “There’s a big demand following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, and I appreciate that it’s bringing awareness within our community,” she told me. Fishermen aid other fishermen in need, especially when their boat breaks down, regardless of the fishery or location. “The fishing community up here may be little, but we are mighty. We unite when necessary, and I aspire to inspire other fishing villages to emulate our actions.
In times of need, Kirby and Schreiner’s dedication to community support and a sense of unity serve as a strong reminder of the influence that even a little collection can have. As they prepare to give goods directly to individuals in need, the fishing community’s tradition of mutual assistance shines brightly in the face of hardship. Follow their journey on Facebook at Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and businesses who generously donated boots to our effort:
- Brooks Trap Mill
- Cheyenne Robishaw
- Heather Sprague
- Sweet Pea’s Family Consignment
- Midcoast Marine
- Hamilton Marine
- Liberty Lobster
- Moody’s Seafood
- Joe’s Rope and Buoys
- Friendship Trap Company
- And, of course, Kathleen and Jake for their time and efforts.
