Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reported on Mar. 23 that local businesses and community members have contributed significant donations to support federal frontline employees affected by the ongoing partial government shutdown.
The continued shutdown has left thousands of essential workers, including Transportation Security Administration agents, working without pay. The airport opened a donation site at Terminal 4’s Compassion Corner last week, inviting the public to donate items such as gift cards and non-perishable goods to help ease financial burdens.
So far, nearly 1,000 gift cards and about 800 non-perishable food and household essentials have been collected. There is a particular need for gas and grocery gift cards as well as basic supplies like toilet paper, paper towels, and pet food. Gift cards are being distributed directly to TSA agents. Mayor Kate Gallego said, “Phoenix is a city where neighbors look out for each other. We’re a community full of people who lift each other up. These federal employees have gone more than a month without pay and are working through one of the airport’s busiest travel times. Their dedication keeps our airport and our economy moving, and this community effort shows them that Phoenix cares about them.”
Local business organizations such as the Support Sky Harbor Coalition, McCarthy Building Companies, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., GFT, APS, Wilson Electric, DWL Architects+, Austin Commercial Construction, AECOM, Barich Inc., Kind Hospitality, and SSP America have coordinated sizable contributions totaling over $118,000 in donations so far. Utility providers APS, SRP, Southwest Gas along with the City of Phoenix have also identified programs to defer interest or penalties on utility payments until employee pay resumes.
Rep. Greg Stanton said: “Our hardworking TSA agents show up every single day to keep the travelling public safe. I’m fighting in Congress to make sure they get the pay they’ve earned and deserve — but in the meantime, the Phoenix community is stepping up in an extraordinary way.” Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington added: “I am proud of how the community has stepped up to support our airport and the TSA officers who ensure we can fly safely every day… In an already difficult time financially these contributions can be vital in helping people.”
Donations continue daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with requested items including non-perishable prepackaged foods; hygiene products such as diapers or toilet paper; and branded gas or grocery gift cards valued at $20 or less.
In related developments at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Breeze Airways announced new services from Phoenix beginning Nov. 2 according to the City of Phoenix. Roxann Favors was named Assistant Director/Chief Revenue Officer for Aviation according to the City of Phoenix, while Jay DeWitt was appointed Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer according to the City of Phoenix.
As America’s Friendliest Airport with an annual economic impact exceeding $44 billion—handling approximately 1,300 aircraft operations daily—Sky Harbor continues its efforts both operationally and through supporting its workforce during challenging times.
