NeighborImpact helps Redmond TSA workers during partial shutdown with $5,000 in gift cards
Campbell Porter
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — NeighborImpact donated more than $5,000 in gift cards to support TSA employees at Redmond Municipal Airport who are working without pay during a partial federal government shutdown. The donation is intended to help approximately 70 affected workers and their families afford groceries, gas and other essential items.
The assistance comes as the shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security has disrupted paychecks since Feb. 14. NeighborImpact provided 70 gift cards valued at $75 each, ensuring every impacted officer at the airport received support.
The officers affected are a part of the daily infrastructure at the airport, supporting business, family, medical and tourism travel. A delayed paycheck for these households can lead to late fees, missed rent payments and high stress for families already managing tight budgets. NeighborImpact executive director Scott Cooper noted that the organization aims to provide stability for these workers.
“NeighborImpact is here to help people stay steady when circumstances change,” Cooper said. “These are working households dealing with a sudden gap in income outside of their control. In moments like this, a local response can help families bridge the gap.”
The gift card initiative was supported by local businesses and private donations. Jersey Boys Pizzeria hosted a fundraiser day to help fund the effort and several community members provided targeted gifts to purchase the cards. This type of local response is funded through flexible community support, which allows the organization to bypass traditional funding structures that may lag behind immediate needs.
NeighborImpact has a history of responding to urgent local events, including the Flat Fire and disruptions to SNAP benefits. While the non-profit manages ongoing services in housing, food, energy assistance and child care, it maintains the flexibility to address unexpected challenges as they arise. Since 1985, the private non-profit has developed resources for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Alongside the gift card donation, Redmond Municipal Airport has started its own drive to support the staff. The airport is seeking nonperishable food and other household essentials to assist employees who have been working without pay for over a month.
Community members who want to support the TSA workers can drop off nonperishable food, household essentials or gift cards at the airport. Donations are being accepted at the badging office located across from the baggage claim area.