Local communities step up to help TSA workers during shutdown

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local communities in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry are stepping up to help Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees as the partial government shutdown drags on.

Airport and union officials say they’re cautiously optimistic after the president signed an executive order aimed at getting workers paid. But leaders stress that optimism is tempered until paychecks are actually in employees’ hands.

“I gotta see it to believe it because, you know, they’ve been playing politics on the backs of these workers for far too long,” said Hulme.

Savannah Regional Center Labor Council President Christi Hulme said the shutdown’s impact has intensified for TSA employees who have continued reporting to work.

Hulme said workers are falling behind on rent, medical bills, and everyday living expenses, and many are now relying on help from their communities to get through.

At Hilton Head Island Airport, TSA agents received gift cards totaling $525 each after airport officials launched a GoFundMe.

Beaufort County Airports Director Jon Rembold said the public response was both fast and meaningful—and he said several workers were emotional after receiving the support.

“I think they were genuinely touched that the community, who doesn’t know them by name, you know, may or may never run into them, has dug into their pockets to help support them,” said Rembold.

Hulme said a paycheck won’t instantly fix the situation because workers have missed their last three paychecks. She also noted that some employees were still recovering financially from the historic 2025 shutdown.

“It’s not just, ‘okay you’re going to get a paycheck and it’s going to be a quick fix,’ no—they are still behind on their bills, so they’re still gonna need assistance,“ said Hulme.

Travelers told WTOC they’ve experienced longer wait times at security, but many said they’re planning accordingly and remain grateful for TSA employees continuing to show up to keep passengers safe.

“They should never not get paid,” said Brandon White, “I do appreciate them still coming in to make sure, you know, normal people get where they need to go.”

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Economic Development Authority, in partnership with the United Way of the Coastal Empire, launched a gift card assistance program. The program aims to alleviate costs of essentials like food, gas, and prescription costs for local TSA workers. Click here for the link to donate and learn more.