As of Thursday evening, a GoFundMe campaign to support Stop & Shop workers on strike had raised more than $14,000 of a $250,000 goal. More than 300 people had each contributed between $5 and $1,000, with most donations below $75.

United Food & Commercial Workers International Union — whose five locals in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have been on strike since April 11 — created the campaign on Wednesday.

"Hard-working Stop & Shop employees all over New England are standing together for a contract that protects their health care coverage, retirement funds and, most importantly, their ability to provide you with the very best in customer service," the campaign reads.

It says funds will assist strikers facing hardships. Many commented on the page to express their solidarity, with some noting their affiliations with various other unions, or a socialist or democratic-socialist group.

The campaign can be found at bit.ly/SnSstrikefund.

Stop & Shop said in a statement Thursday, "There is nothing we want more than having our associates back in the stores, taking care of customers and our communities. We have offered fair and responsible contracts and remain in active negotiations to reach new agreements as quickly as possible that keep our associates among the highest paid grocery retail workers in New England."

e.moser@theday.com