In the wake of hurricanes that devastated parts of the Gulf and South Atlantic states, the Maine fishing community has shown a resilience and solidarity that define their way of life. Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina particularly hard, with damages estimated between $20 billion and $34 billion. Rescue and recovery efforts have continued for weeks, with support flowing in from across the U.S. through non-profit groups to help those affected rebuild their lives.
Kathleen Kirby and her husband, Jacob Schreiner, commercial fishermen from Deer Isle, Maine, were inspired by a humble but essential item in their lives—boots. Their project, “Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground,” began as a response to the needs of friends in hurricane-ravaged areas and has since grown into a community-wide effort. “I saw someone post that they needed PPE for cleaning up,” Kirby shared, “and that’s when I thought of bringing boots from Maine. Everybody I know has extra boots here, so that’s how the idea began.”
The couple, who fish across industries from bairdi crab in Alaska to lobstering in Maine, recognized the surplus of boots in Maine’s fishing communities. With a planned vacation, they took the opportunity to gather PPE for cleanup efforts in North Carolina. After sharing her idea on social media, Kirby quickly found widespread support from communities along the Maine coast. Businesses like Moody’s Seafood and Brooks Trap Mill offered their locations as drop-off points. “I didn’t have to do much work because everyone just helped organize themselves,” she said gratefully. Volunteers sanitized the boots at Brooks Trap Mill, with daily help from local residents like Heather Sprague.
This grassroots effort reflects a powerful spirit of community within Maine’s fishing industry. Despite financial hardships, contributors were generous with high-quality donations. “The volunteer fire department from Thomaston, Maine, donated five pairs of fire boots,” Kirby noted, showcasing a unity that extends beyond Maine’s coastal towns.
Coordinating donations and logistics proved challenging, as North Carolina towns remain in urgent need of relief. Kirby and Schreiner are working closely with local contacts in North Carolina, using a friend’s farm as a staging area to organize the donations before distribution. “We’re using my friend Erica’s farm in Spring Creek as a hub,” Kirby explained. The farm offers utilities and space, making it ideal for organizing supplies efficiently.
Yet, conditions remain dire for many in North Carolina. Volunteers there are working tirelessly under hazardous conditions, often with inadequate gear. Kirby described local volunteers’ efforts: “They’re still out in the field rescuing people, working with holes in their boots. They’re sacrificing their own supplies and working through pain.” Many volunteers face long days of intense labor, and the community struggles to meet basic needs.
With plans to deliver the boots directly, Kirby and Schreiner are taking stock of what has been collected so far. They’ll transport the donations to North Carolina in a U-Haul, distributing them to anyone in need. Although their initial focus is on boots, Kirby is open to organizing future drives to address ongoing needs. “There’s a big demand following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” she reflected, “and I hope other fishing communities are inspired to follow in our steps.”
For Maine’s fishing community, offering support is instinctive, particularly for others in the maritime industry. “The fishing community up here might be small, but we are mighty. We come together at times of need for one another,” Kirby affirmed. “Fishermen help other fishermen, no matter the fishery or area.” Through this effort, Kirby and Schreiner demonstrate the deep commitment to helping others that defines Maine’s fishing culture. As they prepare for their journey to deliver supplies, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the collective impact a community can have.
To follow their efforts or contribute, visit the “Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground” Facebook page.
