It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
Ellie Shaw
Political Education & Involvement Programs | Government Affairs | Non-Profit Professional
Really, very little good can be said about the current federal government shutdown that is entering its 35th day.
The shutdown is also highlighting those that live paycheck to paycheck. "Some federal workers say they're skipping everything from meals to mortgage payments to scrape by. Yet, that's routine for millions of Americans. In a Career Builder survey, 80 percent of those working full time say they live paycheck to paycheck, and 70 percent are in debt. Even some making more than $100,000 a year aren't secure, with one in 10 saying they struggle." (read more)
It has left me wondering how I can personally help others and some of the heartwarming stories I have heard of those helping others. Here are just a few.
#ChefsForFeds
Just across the Navy Memorial Plaza from our office building in Washington, DC, Chef José Andrés' team served 11,400 free meals to furloughed federal workers on Wednesday. (read more)
Free Hot Meals for Government Employees and their Families. Simply show up at any of the locations with your government ID during the specified times for a free meal. List of locations
Volunteer, donate or join the effort, learn more about #ChefsForFeds.
Capital Area Food Bank
In response to the government shutdown, the Capital Area Food Bank is holding free pop-up markets for government employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. At specified dates and locations, CAFB will be distributing free produce, groceries and frozen meals outside of the six Giant grocery store locations.
"Jody Tick, chief operating officer with the Capital Area Food Bank, said furloughed workers are spending their days helping out. 'We have people who volunteer with us, because they know that they’re going to a distribution the next day,' meaning they’d be going to pick up food to help feed their own families." (read more)
The Capital Area Food Bank has set a goal to provide 600,000 extra meals by raising $300,000 in January (donate). Explore ways to volunteer.
Host a Digital Food Drive. Digital food drives can be hosted anywhere, so your reach isn’t limited to those who can make it to you! Friends and family across the country or on another continent can support your cause with just a few clicks. Learn how here.
Greater DC Diaper Bank
Greater DC Diaper Bank is partnering with World Central Kitchen and the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA) to distribute diapers to families directly affected by the government shutdown. In the next two weeks they expect to distribute more than 200,000 diapers directly from their inventory. Every $1 you give can provide up to eight diapers. Donate
There are also many ways to get involved.
The government shutdown will eventually end, but I hope that the sense of wanting to help your community, to volunteer, to donate will not end. Find your local food bank, diaper bank or homeless shelter. Get involved!
So in the midst of the worst of times, sometimes you see the best of times.