ORLANDO, Fla. — While many federal employees are not getting a paycheck, people in Central Florida are stepping up to help out — including those living in the Lake Nona area.
- Orlando residents helping furloughed employees during shutdown
- People donating gift cards, non-perishable items to workers
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It all started with a social media post. Zahide Wallace said her friend made a post on Facebook that asked for people to help furloughed employees that may need assistance, and the community has responded since by donating items.
“We have already identified that 25 families that are in urgent need of assistance right now, we are up to 200 posts saying, 'Hey I can help or hey we need help,'” said Wallace.
This issue hits home for volunteer Joanne Velez. Her husband retired from his federal job during the shutdown.
“His retirement pension, his last paycheck, his 401k, all of that is just on hold,” said Velez.
Velez feels for government workers and wanted to help.
“We know several people going paycheck to paycheck and they are not even surviving on that, to be able to help them with gift cards, collecting the non-perishables, its helping,” said Velez.
Many of these items are going to TSA employees along with other federal employees.
Gift cards are also being collected at the Dunkin Donuts at 10395 Narcoosee Road.
“Know we care, know that we are thinking about you, know that we are here to help you,” said Wallace.