By Debra Vaughn

Most sailors earn enough in pay and allowances to get by, but it doesn’t take much — especially with junior enlisted sailors — to upset the delicate financial balance, said Elton Gifford, director of the Whidbey Island Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

That’s where the nonprofit can step in.

“Unanticipated emergencies like car breakdowns, emergency leave and the like can overwhelm anyone, especially if they are living paycheck to paycheck,” he said.

The nonprofit offers no-interest loans or grants in emergencies as well as counseling to help clients better manage their finances.

The local chapter gave out nearly $600,000 in financial aid to 1,100 sailors and marines last year. Nearly half of this help was for basic living expenses such as food, rent and utilities.

Whidbey volunteers also helped more than 70 times with emergency transportation for service members or their spouses because of a death or serious illness in the family.

The Whidbey office also holds Budget for Baby classes for new and expectant parents. A visiting registered nurse was on hand to see more than 500 new mothers and their babies last year. On the Seaplane Base, the nonprofit operates a Thrift and Uniform Shop that served more than 5,000 shoppers.

The society was chartered in 1904 to help widows and orphans of sailors. Today, the local chapter will help anyone with a military ID, including retirees.

“We see a lot of people down on their luck,” Gifford said.

The local chapter is holding a fundraiser through March. At this time of year, the services conduct active duty fund drives within the Department of Defense. But anyone can give.

For more information, contact Gifford at 360-257-2728 or mail a donation to NMCRS 260 West Pioneer, NAS Whidbey Island, WA 98278.

The local chapter also plans a fundraiser golf tournament at Gallery Golf Course April 22.