Asheville Airport Steps Up to Support TSA Workers Amid Shutdown
With the ongoing government shutdown now extending into its sixth week, Asheville Regional Airport has initiated a community-driven effort to support nearly 100 Transportation Security Administration employees who are working without paychecks.
The airport is encouraging the public to contribute by donating gift cards valued at up to $20. These cards will be distributed to TSA staff members in need of assistance during this challenging period.
Angi Daus, Asheville Regional Airport’s spokesperson, explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to assist TSA workers who have been unpaid since last month. “We just want to do whatever we can internally to support them,” Daus stated in an interview with BPR. “And, in doing so, we have had members of the community reach out to ask how they can support.”
Gift cards from grocery stores, gas stations, or pre-paid debit cards are recommended, with the $20 cap adhering to federal regulations. Donations can be made at the airport’s ticket lobby, the Guest Services counter in the baggage claim area, or the Marathon gas station located just south of the airport.
In a related effort, MANNA FoodBank is collaborating with the airport to provide a pop-up food bank for TSA employees. “We’re grateful to partner with Asheville Regional Airport to support TSA employees and their families who may be experiencing financial strain during the government shutdown,” commented MANNA CEO Claire Neal. Neal emphasized the importance of ensuring access to nutritious food, noting that “food insecurity can affect anyone, often unexpectedly, and when income is interrupted, the first pressure many households feel is at the grocery store.”
Despite the government shutdown, Asheville Regional Airport and others across the country remain operational. Travelers are advised to arrive two hours before their scheduled flights and to stay informed by checking the airport’s website and social media for real-time updates.
