Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way partner to help federal workers amid shutdown

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce says there are more than 26,000 federal employees in the Savannah region.

That’s why it is connecting local businesses with the United Way of the Coastal Empire to make sure workers don’t go without during the shutdown.

“It has really come together really fast,” said Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bert Brantley. “And a lot of our members have expressed interest in contributing.”

Brantley says chamber members are connecting with the United Way to make sure donations get to people who need it most.

“We’ll keep getting the word out and keep accepting that until the shutdown ends,” said Brantley. “And it’s important to know even when the shutdown ends the needs still are there.”

Some businesses are even providing free meals or gift cards.

“Love to call out Live Oak restaurants for example,” said Brantley. “Our friends at Spanky’s, Molly Mcguire’s, those restaurants that are around Savannah. They are donating gift cards.”

The Savannah Hilton Head International Airport reports more than 225 federal employees, like TSA agents and FAA staff, are working without pay due to the shutdown.

“That affects people coming and visiting,” said Brantley. “That affects our waitresses, our front hospitality folks and hotels. Our tour guides, all the folks who come in to town. One issue at the airport creates a whole lot of issues for us around town.”

The United Way of the Coastal Empire says the best way to help is to donate money.

You can do that online or drop off cash and gift cards to their office at 428 Bull Street in Savannah.