“I think they should be getting paid without the help of the community, but I think as a community we should jump in and try to help.”
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ As the partial government shutdown continues, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is asking the community to help support TSA employees who are still working without pay.
Airport officials have started a gift card drive aimed at providing relief to workers who have gone without paychecks since Feb. 14, while continuing to staff security checkpoints and keep travelers moving safely.
Travelers say theyโre already feeling the effects of the shutdown, with some arriving much earlier than usual out of concern for long lines.
โIโm actually here 5 hours early because I thought the lines were going to be insane,โ traveler Emary Koehl said.
Despite those concerns, many passengers expressed appreciation for TSA officers who continue to show up to work each day.
Some travelers say the gift card drive is a meaningful way for the community to step in and help.
โI mean thatโs a start to make them feel appreciated. How are they going to feed their families?โ traveler Misael Kuan said. โI would do it, definitely. I think it would be appreciated by them.”
Others, however, question whether the effort addresses the root of the problem.
โThatโs not a solution; Giving them a paycheck is a solution,โ traveler Jason Wooten said, who added he would still consider donating.
Koehl said while workers should be paid by the government, community support still matters in the meantime.
โI think they should be getting paid without the help of the community, but I think as a community we should jump in and try to help,โ Koehl said.
Airport officials say there are specific guidelines for donations, following federal rules. Only grocery and gas gift cards are accepted, each valued at $20 or less. Cash and prepaid cards are not allowed.
They also remind passengers not to hand gifts directly to TSA employees, as they are not permitted to accept them individually.
Donationsย can be dropped off at designated locations including the airport, Renaissance West Initiative and Goodwill Opportunity Campus.
Officials say the goal is to provide some immediate relief to TSA workers and their families as uncertainty around the shutdown continues.
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