In the wake of two hurricanes that devastated states in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, the Maine fishing community shows resilience and solidarity that define their way of life, coming together to share resources in times of need. Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina, leaving communities in ruins. Sources report that the total damages are estimated to be about $20 billion to $34 billion, while rescue efforts have been underway weeks after the storm. Many people around the U.S. have donated to non-profit groups, ensuring North Carolina and Tennessee locals get the resources they need to put their homes and lives back together.

Kathleen Kirby and her husband, Jacob Schreiner, are commercial fishermen from Deer Isle, Maine, and were inspired by something they wear every day- boots. Over the past weeks, their idea quickly gained momentum to support the affected communities. The project, which started as a personal response to friends living in hard-hit areas, has quickly transformed into a widespread effort fueled by community collaboration and compassion. Kirby is calling the project ‘Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground”.

Kirby and Schreiner have fished in many industries, from bairdi crab (Tanner crab) in Alaska to lobstering off the coast of Maine. The couple had time off planned for the first time in two years to take a break from fishing. This gave them time to come up with the idea of collecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for those involved in cleanup efforts in North Carolina. 

“I saw someone post that they needed PPE for cleaning up, 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,” Kirby shared.

As both commercial fishermen, the couple knew they had extra boots lying around. They decided to spend the last part of their vacation bringing supplies to more than just friends in need. “We recognized the gear surplus in Maine's fishing communities, and that’s when we realized we could really help,” she noted.

After posting on her personal Facebook page and a local Facebook group, she quickly learned how much support would come from various communities up and down the coast of Maine and local businesses eager to help. The response was overwhelming, and Kirby described how organizations like Moody's Seafood and Brooks Trap Mill stepped up, offering their locations as drop-off points. “I didn’t have to do much work because everyone just helped organize themselves,” she mentioned with gratitude. The boots were sanitized at Brooks Trap Mill warehouse with help from Heather Sprague, who showed up every day to help.

This collective effort reflects a larger spirit within the fishing community. Kirby highlighted that many contributors, despite financial constraints, have been generous in donating good-quality boots. "The volunteer fire department from Thomaston, Maine, donated five pairs of fire boots,” she shared, showcasing the community spirit that runs deeper than just the coastal fishing community.

The logistics of coordinating donation locations, however, were somewhat challenging. With small towns in North Carolina grappling with significant devastation, ensuring supplies reach those most in need became critical. Kirby and Schreiner’s approach involved working directly with local contacts in North Carolina to streamline the donation process. “We’re using my friend Erica’s farm in Spring Creek as a hub for organizing the boots before distribution,” she explained. Erica’s farm provides a central location equipped with essential utilities, making it an ideal staging area for relief efforts.

Despite the heartwarming community response, the situation in North Carolina remains dire. Many individuals are struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane, facing hazardous conditions as they work to clean up. Kirby recounted her conversations with local volunteers who, despite being overwhelmed, have shown resilience and dedication. "They’re still out in the field rescuing people, working with holes in their boots," she said, emphasizing their need. “They are sacrificing their own supplies for other people, and they’re not accepting any medical assistance involving medical supplies to help with blisters and bigger injuries. They are just working through the pain.”

Kirby explained how locals in the area feel hopeless. “It’s such a monumental task to ask volunteers to help clean up this mess. They are on day 13 or so, still trying to find everyone missing. It’s devastating.” The couple plans to count what they have collected for boots thus far, take them down to North Carolina in a U-Haul, and distribute them to whoever is in need.

While the initial focus is on collecting and distributing boots to this one area, Kirby is also considering future 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 remarked. Fishermen help other fishermen in need, especially when a boat breaks down, no matter the fishery or area. “The fishing community up here might be small, but you know, we are mighty. We come together at times of need for one another, and I hope other fishing communities are inspired to follow in our steps.”

In a time of crisis, Kirby and Schreiner’s commitment to community support and spirit of togetherness serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that just one small collection can have. As they prepare to deliver supplies directly to those in need, the fishing community's legacy of helping one another shines brightly in the face of adversity. Follow their journey on Facebook called Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground.

A huge shoutout to the individuals and businesses that donated boots to this 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.