Local airport collecting donations for TSA employees working without pay during government shutdown
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IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is collecting donations to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees currently working without pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
On Monday, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport encouraged the public to consider donating food, toiletries and grocery items to local TSA officers as the government reached the 19th day of its shutdown.
“TSA officers are federal employees, not employees of the City of Idaho Falls that owns and operates the Idaho Falls Regional Airport,” a release from the airport says. “During a federal government shutdown, TSA employees are required to continue working to ensure safe and secure air travel, even though their pay is temporarily suspended.”
According to the release, donations can be dropped off beginning Monday, Oct. 20, at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport Administration Office, located inside the terminal.
Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The release says this is a “temporary effort to support workers only during the federal government shutdown.”
“The staff of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport are dedicated employees of private and public entities. We are saddened to see our colleagues within the federal workforce caught in a situation where they must work while making decisions between paying a mortgage or putting food on the table,” says Ian Turner, Airport Director in the release. “We want to offer these employees assistance and hope the community will join us in support of these federal workers.”
Signage will be posted to help direct donors to the Airport Administration Office, and a clearly marked donation box will be placed outside the office for easy drop-off during collection hours.
Acceptable donations include:
- Food items, both non-perishable and perishable (such as pizza, baked goods, or coffee)
- Diapers and basic household supplies
- Grocery, gas and coffee shop gift cards
- Please note that cash, checks, and general prepaid cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) cannot be accepted due to guidelines on what federal employees can accept.
The Idaho Falls Regional Airport says they are also coordinating with the Community Food Basket to provide food support and potential distribution days for affected federal employees. Details will be shared once confirmed.
EastIdahoNews.com reached out to Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper for a comment on the donations for federal employees. She provided the following statement:
“Though TSA employees are not city staff, they are community members who play an essential role in keeping our airport and our travelers safe. We have come together before during shutdowns to assist essential federal workers. I appreciate the Idaho Falls Regional Airport for leading this effort, the Community Food Basket–Idaho Falls, and the compassionate members of our community who understand how hard it is to work a full-time job without pay,.” Casper says. “I encourage residents to show their support for these dedicated federal workers during this challenging time. Our community has a long tradition of coming together to support one another when times are hard. Food, utility bills, fuel for vehicles, and other basics are hard to obtain without a paycheck. While federal workers cannot accept cash or gift credit cards, we can certainly pass along gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations, as well as donated goods. Those who wish to give cash can contribute to the Community Food Basket.”
Community members with questions about donations can call (208) 612-8224 for assistance.