Here is a quick overview on how you can help furloughed and unpaid federal unpaid workers.
1. You cannot offer cash. You CAN offer gift cards to stores (best option) or restaurants. But, make sure you have enough gift cards for ALL the furloughed or federal unpaid workers.
2. You cannot offer prepaid Visa, Master Cards.
3. You cannot offer lottery tickets or gaming tokens.
4. You CAN offer meals (like a grocery store or restaurant) prepaid catered meal.
5. You cannot offer to a specific federal department. i.e., If you want to offer meals to your local TSA officers at the airport that meal has to be open to all federal unpaid workers at the airport, not just TSA.
6. Store gift cards should not be for over $20 per recipient (though, at this point, any amount is appreciated).
Best bet is to call your nearest federal office to find out more info on your area.
The man I spoke with in Des Moines is extremely appreciative of any offers to help.
The name of the game is Pay It Forward. Hope this is helpful.
