Struggling Bodega Bay Crab Fishermen Get Boost From Community With Grocery Gift Cards

BODEGA BAY (CBS SF) -- Community members in Bodega banded together to help provide struggling crab fishermen with necessities as thousands of crab traps sit idle after the department of public health banned fishing for the popular crustaceans.

"It's just devastating right now, very devastating. It's a great gesture," Bodega Fisherman Tony Anello said.

People in the community were worried about their fishermen, so some residents pooled their money to buy 100 Safeway gift cards for those needing food.  The cards were worth $100 each.

"The whole town has come together and, just an amazing amount of generosity," Lori Cavanauigh of the Spud Point Marina said.

For deckhand Diego Quiroz, the gift card saved Christmas for his family.

"It put some food in the refrigerator, yeah, plus some groceries; toys for my grandchildren, like I got eight of them," Quiroz said.

While the California department of public health says the crabs are slowing getting better, but there's still no date when the crab season here in northern California may finally open.

Meanwhile, boats and their crews wait in harbor.

"There's a lot of competition in the crab industry, but if somebody needs help or is in trouble out there, we're there for 'em, for each other, or anybody for that matter," Anello said.