AVOCA, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Now entering day 40 of the partial government shutdown, TSA workers across the country are facing challenges, including those at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

But those here at home aren’t facing it alone, as the local community is stepping up with support and donations.

Since the partial government shutdown began on February 14, partisan disagreements over immigration enforcement and a separate voting rights bill have delayed funding for TSA employees. With workers set to miss their third paycheck.

In response, Team AVP at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport has launched a donation drive to support its 41 TSA workers. Interim Executive Director of Engineering Stephen Mykulyn told us more.

“Last week, we made a decision to reactivate the food pantry that we had set up previously for the last shutdown. And the outpouring has just been phenomenal,” said Mykulyn.

“We received donations from the community, from airport employees, from various businesses throughout the area, who have donated food items to the pantry. There are folks who’ve made food donations, especially for TSA workers, as they’re here working to utilize on their breaks,” said Mykulyn.

Mykulyn said TSA workers are grateful for the outpour of support and donations from the community.

“The TSA workers are frankly overwhelmed by what they see when they come in this room,” said Mykulyn.

“They feel extremely blessed. Some of them have talked to me. The level of gratitude is just unbelievable. It’s not just what the airport decided to do, you know, that they’re grateful for. I explained to them that we just set up a means for the community to show how really great the community is in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Mykulyn.

With donations continuing to come in strong, Mykulyn said support for TSA workers has reached new levels.

“We’ve got three walls here in this rather large conference room that are lined with tables that are filled with items, and they’re overflowing because there’s items there to replenish. And, it just has been, it’s been heartwarming to see the response,” said Mykulyn.

The airport is still accepting donations, which can be dropped off curbside and given directly to security officers.

To find out more about how to donate and see which items are being accepted, click here.