Sky Harbor airport launches donation drive for unpaid federal workers

PHOENIX — Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport opened a donation center to support federal employees working without pay as the partial government shutdown continues.

The airport’s “Compassion Corner” began accepting donations this week after frontline workers, including Transportation Security Administration agents, received paychecks of $0 on March 13.

“These employees play a vital role and are essential to the safe and secure operations at PHX,” Deputy Aviation Director Heather Shelbrack said in a statement Wednesday.

The donation drive comes during what is typically Sky Harbor’s busiest month.

Shelbrack said checkpoint wait times have held steady despite rising passenger traffic. She warned the prolonged financial strain on workers could lead to increased absences and delays.

The airport is requesting:

• Non-perishable, pre-packaged food
• Gift cards of $20 or less for gas and groceries from retailers such as Fry’s, Walmart, Costco and QuikTrip
• Hygiene items and baby essentials including diapers, wipes and formula

Officials emphasized they cannot accept cash or generic prepaid Visa, American Express or Mastercard gift cards.

Donations can be dropped off at the Compassion Corner, located pre-security in Terminal 4 near the elevator bank by the B Security Checkpoint. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking will be validated.

The donation center will remain open until the shutdown ends. Distribution to affected workers will continue while supplies last.

The Associate Press contributed to this report.

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