ORLANDO, Fla. — Friday is the last day the Orlando International Airport will accept donations for federal workers affected by the second-longest government shutdown.
First Vice President Joseph Groover with the TSA union AFGE Local 556, representing officers across Florida, said on Oct. 1 that members were trying their best to prepare themselves.
However, 24 days have passed since the government shutdown, and TSA union officials stressed the necessity of funds to continue supporting members.
“I know there are other needs that people are going to eventually have. Things will trickle down,” said Tatiana Finlay, the fair practice coordinator with Local 556. The fact that people are not going to be able to pay for daycare and if they don’t have daycare, they’re not able to show up to work. Whether they have gas or they have food.”
What You Need To Know
MCO’s donation drive for federal workers ends Friday at 2 p.m.
The donation drive will help support “essential workers” not getting paid during the shutdown; including TSA members and air traffic controllers.
The shutdown has become the second longest shutdown in recent history nearing four weeks. The longest was in December 2018 and lasted for 35 days.
Local 556 TSA Union says many workers are in need of money for gas.
MCO is hoping to fill that need. During the weeklong donation drive, community members dropped off things like non-perishable food items, $10 gift cards, baby supplies, and pet supplies.
The donated items will go directly to essential workers at the airport who are not taking home paychecks as the shutdown trails behind the longest government shutdown in recent history, which lasted 35 days.
For any last-minute donations, officials will accept items at MCO’s Terminal C or at the Orlando Executive Airport until 2 p.m.