12/29/20 10:40 a.m. 

The Heceta Head Lighthouse in Linn County is facing some difficult financial shortfalls due to COVID-19, and the lighthouse keepers are asking the public for help.

The lighthouse operators launched a GoFundMe on Saturday asking for donations.

The historical site located just north of Florence is one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon coast and draws visitors from all over the world.

However, the lighthouse relies on visitors to fund operations and repairs to the 125-year-old structure.

The GoFundMe organizers say “Although the house is on federal land, we receive zero funding from the government.”

Fundraiser officials say “We have endured challenges before, like the slide of 2000 which closed the highway for two months. We managed.”

They say the pandemic is draining them beyond what they can recover from. Lighthouse officials say “Not only have we exhausted $20,000 we have had in reserve for future restorations projects, we have spent the budget for next year’s revenue with very few reservations to look forward to.”

The GoFundMe is hoping to raise $190,000 to help finish current projects and cover basic operating costs of the Heceta Head Lighthouse for 6 months.

To donate, simply click HERE.