Second Harvest helps unpaid federal workers

Jan. 23--Some boxes of food and supplies being distributed at the Fayetteville Regional Airport on Wednesday were labeled, "Disaster Relief."

But they weren't going to hurricane victims or residents who had been flooded out of their homes. Instead, they were given to federal workers who have been working without pay because of the government shutdown.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina distributed food and other items to about 40 Transportation Security Administration workers.

If the shutdown continues, federal workers will miss their second paycheck Friday.

Ron Pringle, the director of the food bank, said some workers are having to decide whether to buy food or pay bills. He said missing a paycheck can have a lasting impact.

"We may think, 'Oh, they're going to get paid when the shutdown is over,' but the damage is done," he said. "We want to make sure to do our part."

The workers were getting about 40 pounds of nutritious food and bottled water, Pringle said.

"We want to make sure we stock them up real good," he said.

Pringle said the food bank coordinated the effort with several other similar groups across the state.

Rusheem Wynn was volunteering at the airport for the White Oak Foundation in Cary. He said he also helped out with similar efforts at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.

"Clearly, you see the need," he said as several workers waited to get food and supplies. "This is a crisis here in the United States."

The workers drove cars, SUVs and pickups through the area in the airport parking lot. Volunteers put boxes of food, water and supplies in trunks and backseats of the vehicles.

The items included bananas, canned vegetables, fruit cocktail, paper towels and cleaning supplies.

Several workers spoke to the volunteers at the end of the line.

"We appreciate you guys," one said. "Not a lot has been done for us."

"Thank you so much," another said.

"This is awesome," a third worker said.

As the worker was driving off, she said, "That ain't nothing but the Lord."

Lonnie Ballard, the CEO of Action Pathways, said the workers can get more help if needed.

"We're also able to connect them with our partners," he said. "It also connects them with other resources."

One group willing to provide that support is Balm in Gilead ministries on Doc Bennett Road.

Vivian Rhone, founder and executive director of the organization, said her group wants to provide long-term support to the workers.

"Any follow up that's needed, for however long it's needed, we'll be there to help," she said.

Rhone said her group gave food, clothing and hygiene products to government workers and their families Saturday. About 750 people got help at the event, she said.

The workers were grateful, Rhone said.

"On a regular basis, many of us are a paycheck away from disaster," she said. "It's very difficult to work and not get paid."

About 15 volunteers from Balm in Gilead ministries were helping the workers Wednesday.

Dewey Shipman of Hope Mills was one of the volunteers.

"It's just like doing hurricane relief," he said. "You help, and they appreciate it."

Vertell Godbolt was making sure the workers got muffins and corn. She was volunteering with her church, Redeemed Christian Church on Person Street.

"I feel really good about it," she said.

Godbolt, a retired teacher, said she understands the workers' situation.

"I'm just glad to do it," she said. "I had the time."

Staff writer Steve DeVane can be reached at sdevane@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3572.

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