ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando International Airport community is stepping up to help federal workers affected by the government shutdown, organizing a food and gift card donation drive that will run through Friday at Terminal C.
Airport employees are collecting nonperishable food items and gift cards for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, air traffic controllers, and customs agents who continue to work without pay during the federal government shutdown.
“They’ve just been doing a tremendous job under the circumstances to keep our airport open,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
[WATCH: FAA staffing shortages impacting Orlando International Airport during government shutdown?]
The donation drive has seen a steady stream of community members arriving with supplies throughout the day. The airport specified that donations must be nonperishable items in unopened, original packaging that hasn’t expired. Gift cards to retailers like Target and Publix are also being accepted to help federal workers with grocery expenses.
Cheryl, a former airline employee who has experienced previous government shutdowns, brought supplies from her own hurricane preparedness stockpile. “I have nothing but respect for them working and showing up each day to keep us all safe,” she said. Her donation included items such as canned ravioli, spam, soup, breakfast cereal, and fresh bread.
Donation suggestions for the public food drive at Orlando International Airport. (Orlando International Airport)
She attached an inspirational message to her donation box, quoting Reverend Dr. Robert Schuller: “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”
[WATCH: Orlando travelers take extra precautions as government shutdown affects airports]
Local resident Marti Bassett and her husband contributed four boxes of canned goods after following news coverage of the shutdown. “We went through our pantry last night and came up with different things that we wanted to bring and give to the workers,” Bassett said.
Lyttle expressed gratitude for the community’s response to the donation drive. “It really is heartwarming. Inspirational. It shows how much people care and how much they value our federal partners,” he said.
The donation collection point is located outside the departures section of Terminal C, and will continue accepting contributions through Friday.
Breaking News Alerts
Get breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox.
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.