Sky Harbor appeals to the public to donate to unpaid TSA workers

Amid a partial government shutdown affecting workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor, the airport is asking Arizona residents to support employees who continue to show up despite not being paid.

“These employees play a vital role and are essential to the safe and secure operations at PHX,” said Sky Harbor in the press release.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport plays a major role in Arizona’s economy, handling around 1,300 aircraft and over 140,000 passengers daily, contributing more than $44 billion annually. March, one of the airport’s busiest months, has seen operations continue, but the ongoing government shutdown is taking a significant toll on frontline employees.

“Help these critical team members who received a $0.00 paycheck on March 13,” Sky Harbor announced.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor has compiled a list of items people can donate to support its frontline employees.

• Non-perishable, pre-packaged food that can be distributed during the airport’s 24-hour operation.
• Gift cards of $20 or less for gas and groceries (e.g., Fry’s, Walmart, Costco, QuikTrip) are accepted. Please do not donate generic Visa, American Express, or Mastercard gift cards.
• Hygiene items and baby essentials (diapers/wipes/formula, etc.)
• Not accepting cash

This is not the first time Sky Harbor has accepted donations for TSA agents, but it is “the first time we’ve put out a call to the public to help,” according to Sky Harbor’s public information officer, Eric Everts.

Donations can be dropped off at the Compassion Corner, located at the pre-security desk 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., with parking validated, and will remain open for the duration of the shutdown.

Reporting by Christian Cervantes, Arizona Republic