The combined efforts of the city of Fresno and several nonprofits brought $25,000 in gift cards for TSA agents at Fresno Yosemite International nearing their 42nd day of work without pay.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer at a Friday news conference said the city reached out to several local companies, the Central California Food Bank, the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, and the American Sikh Sangat to provide workers with gift cards to help cover groceries and gas.

The continued partial government shutdown comes only a few months after the longest shutdown in U.S. history, Dyer said.

“It’s important to remember that the TSA just did this long not too long ago … so this is getting to be a normal thing,” Dyer said. “We want to make sure that whatever hardship they faced, we can lessen that hardship today with these funds. It doesn’t go a long way when you think about 146 employees, but it will go further than if they didn’t have this.”

Companies that donated included Chevron, Mid-Valley Disposal, and Precision Civil Engineering.

Trump Order Authorizes Payment of 50,000 TSA Agents

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted down a Senate-backed bill to resume funding of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA. An executive order from President Donald Trump authorized the department to pay 50,000 airport security officers who have not been paid since February.

Interim airport director Francisco Partida said Fresno has not experienced the kind of delays or job turnover that other airports have, although callouts are starting to pick up.

NPR reports that at some airports, callout rates have reached 50%, creating some of the longest wait times for passenger screenings in history.

“We’re starting to see some of the callouts starting to ramp up, but we’re hopeful that this is the relief that they need,” Partida said. “Even if the government reopens for this agency, DHS, TSA, how long will the administrative process take for them to receive their back pay and then get going on a regular basis.”

Of the approximately 145 TSA employees at the Fresno airport, Partida said there are six households entirely dependent on TSA for income.

Since the beginning of March, the food bank has delivered grocery store gift cards in addition to shelf-stable food to airport workers, food bank co-CEO Natalie Caples.

“Whether food insecurity is temporary, like it may be during this government shutdown, or it’s an ongoing issue, our neighbors deserve support, compassion, and stability,” Caples said.

American Sikh Sangat, Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation Among Donors

American Sikh Sangat helped with donations for gas cards in Fresno. Vice President Raj Pannu said he was proud to stand alongside other community groups to help.

“TSA, everyone knows they’re working day and night,” Pannu said. “Even though they know they’re not getting paid, but their dedication and sacrifice, we have to appreciate it.”

Dora Westerlund, CEO of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, said her organization was also proud to help workers.

“We are reminded that working together is stronger when we support one another,” Westerlund said.