The United Way of Door County is still awaiting word on what role it will play in assisting area U.S. Coast Guard families as the partial government shutdown continues.

Agencies under the Department of Homeland Security umbrella — including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration — have all been affected by the shutdown. Democrats and Republicans continue to spar over funding related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations following a deadly incident involving federal agents in Minnesota earlier this year.

While some employees have been furloughed, essential personnel such as TSA agents and U.S. Coast Guard members have continued working. Unlike TSA workers, however, Coast Guard members have continued to be paid, albeit without congressional approval. How much longer that will continue is unclear, but United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says the organization will be ready if called upon to help.

While some donors have specifically earmarked their contributions for U.S. Coast Guard families, Kohnle says others are willing to allow those gift cards to be used for families in need if other emergencies arise.

Gift card donations can be dropped off at the United Way offices on Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.

This is the second time since October that paychecks for U.S. Coast Guard members have been threatened as a result of a government shutdown.