Ways to Help Charleston Workers Affected by the Government Shutdown

Last update: 1/25/19 at 2:07 pm

As the longest partial government shutdown continues, around 800,000 federal employees are either still working without pay or furloughed without pay. In an effort to help locals affected by the shutdown, some Charleston area organizations are offering their help or collecting donations.

Look below to see a list of places that are offering their assistance and ways you can help:

COLLECTIONS/DONATIONS

• Charleston Police Department
  • The Charleston Police Department (CPD) is collecting items (through February 1st) to give to the U.S. Coast Guard in Charleston to help them during the partial government shutdown
  • Items being collected include:
    • Pampers (All sizes)
    • Washing Detergent (Liquid or PODS)
    • Toilet Paper
    • Paper Towels
  • Click here for more info
• Point Hope United Methodist Church
  • Accepting gas card donations through its “Gas Cards for Coasties” fundraising efforts to support local Coast Guard members who are currently being affected by the government shutdown
  • Cards can be dropped off at the church Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm
  • Click here for more info
• The Lowcountry Food Bank
  • Has offered food distribution for federal employees on select days
  • Additionally, they have distributed shelf-stable food boxes to three of its partner food pantries to fill the food gap for federal workers who are affected by the partial government shutdown. Federal workers are encouraged to visit the pantries listed below (call first to confirm availability and hours), or the Lowcountry Food Bank located at 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., to obtain government shutdown relief boxes
    • East Cooper Community Outreach:
      Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (843) 849-9220
      1145 Six Mile Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
    • Cathedral of Praise Bread Basket:
      Monday-Friday 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (843) 760-6116
      3790 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
    • Helping Hands of Goose Creek:
      Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (843) 533-7132
      104 B Commerce Place, Goose Creek, SC 29455
  • The Lowcountry Food Bank is also accepting monetary donations that will be specifically designated to help federal workers fight hunger during the partial government shutdown. Click HERE to make a financial donation.
• Low Country Chief Petty Officers Association
  • The Low Country Chief Petty Officers Association is in need of donations
  • The organization helps enlisted members year round when in need
    • You an donate to their GoFundMe here
  • You can also join them on Saturday, January 26th for oysters and BBQ at Sunset Cay Marina from 3 pm to 7 pm
    • They are accepting cash, checks, gift cards, gas cards, etc.
• Inspired by Annette
  • Is picking up and collecting supplies
  • Helpful supplies include:
    • Grocery Gift Cards
    • Gas Cards
    • Food
    • Non Perishable Goods

OFFERS FOR FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES

• • Bay Street Biergarten
    • Offering a “rolling discount that correlates with the shut down”
    • $4 local canned beers
      • Click here for details
  • Charleston Animal Society
    • Offering furloughed federal workers free dog and cat food
  • Charleston C.A.R.E.S.
    • Through 25th, the three member companies of the Carriage Association for Responsible Equine Safety (Charleston Carriage Works, Old South Carriage Company, and Palmetto Carriage Works) will be offering free carriage rides to furloughed federal employees affected by the government shutdown
    • Click here for more info
  • College of Charleston Athletics
    • Offering complimentary tickets to all remaining home men’s and women’s basketball games at TD Arena as well as home baseball and softball games at Patriots Point to all federal government employees through the duration of the federal government shutdown
    • Click here for more details
  • Charleston Music Hall
    • Offering a BOGO (buy one, get one free) deal for tickets to Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Jan. 26th, Neko Case on Jan. 30th, and The Magpie Salute on Feb. 5th for all furloughed federal employees
    • This offer is only available through their Box Office with proof of government employment. The Box Office is located at 37 John St. and is open Monday – Thursday from 12 pm to 6 opm and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm
      • Ladysmith Black Mambazo – More Info
      • Neko Case – More Info
      • The Magpie Salute – More Info
  • Cru Cafe
    • Chef John Zucker will extend the Cru family discount to federal government employees dining at Cru Café
    • Employees of the federal government affected by the shutdown can show proof of employment to receive 50% off their total bill – the same discount extended to employees
    • This offer will be available until the government shutdown ends
  • Freehouse Brewery
    • Coast Guard are welcome to one beer at the tap room during the entirety of this shutdown
    • One per person per day
  • The Gibbes Museum of Art
    • Free admission on January 26th and 27th for government employees and their families
  • GlowFisch Hospitality
    • Offering a 25% discount off the meals of Furloughed government employees
    • Discount available at Five Loaves Cafe, Sesame Burgers and Beer, and Ember Wood Fired Kitchen
  • Low Tide Brewing
    • Offering two free beers
    • Limited to 2 per person each day during shutdown (with proof)
  • Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
    • Hosting Coast Guard Appreciation Day on Saturday, February 2nd from 11 am to 2 pm
    • Free admission, lunch, and activities for active duty Coast Guard Service members and families
  • Pounce Cat Cafe
    • Free visits, coffee, and kitten snuggles
  • Pour Tap House
    • Offering one free meal through Sunday
  • Purlieu
    • Chef John Zucker will extend the family discount to federal government employees dining at Purlieu
    • Employees of the federal government affected by the shutdown can show proof of employment to receive 50% off their total bill – the same discount extended to employees
    • This offer will be available until the government shutdown ends
  • Terrace Theater
    • Complimentary passes will be provided to any furloughed worker who presents a federal government ID in person at the cinema
    • The offer is good Monday through Thursday for any film screening that starts before 5 pm
    • The theater will continue to offer free films to furloughed workers for as long as the shutdown continues
    • Click here for more info
  • Wild Dunes Tri-County Harbor Friends Program
    • Invites furloughed friends living in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties to stretch their legs and find an escape on the Harbor Golf Course, with complimentary afternoon rounds of golf
    • Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday after 1:30 pm throughout the Federal Government Shutdown
  • National
    • To expand your giving to the rest of the country, click here for ideas

PAST EVENTS/DEALS

• The Griffon
  • On Thursday, January 24th, The Griffon and Pabst Blue Ribbon are teaming up to give any government employees affected by the shutdown a round of PBR
  • 4 pm to 6 pm

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