Groton — Sailors from USS Mississippi and their families helped local citizens cleanup after Hurricane Sandy on Nov. 1.

Several trees were uprooted at the Riverfront Children’s Center and the nonprofit child care facility needed help making the area safe for children.

“Being a nonprofit, we have limited funds and if we had to take money out of our budget to clear these trees it would impact our other services,” Development Coordinator Susan Bailey said. “These sailors have really rescued us and we love seeing the Navy personnel in the community. It means so much to us.”

Electronics Technician Third Class James S. Vincent, assigned to Mississippi (SSN 782), serves as the volunteer coordinator for the attack submarine.

“I know that the families here are struggling to make ends meet and the center cannot really afford to spend money on these kinds of things,’ he said. “This gives them an opportunity to put more resources toward the kids.”