With Transportation Security Administration officers still reporting for duty without base pay during the partial federal shutdown, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is asking travelers to help make sure screeners can at least cover groceries and gas.
Airport officials have rolled out a gift card drive aimed at easing some of the immediate financial strain on TSA staff who continue to keep checkpoints running. Travelers and local residents can drop off grocery and gas gift cards in the terminal or donate through a neighborhood partner that is collecting on the officers’ behalf.
TSA remains essential to safe and efficient travel at CLT, helping keep passengers moving while upholding the Airport’s safety culture. As officers continue reporting to work without base pay during the ongoing government shutdown, CLT’s gift card donation drive is ongoing.
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) March 25, 2026
According to CLT Airport, the program accepts only grocery and gas gift cards in $10 or $20 denominations. A collection box sits by Security Checkpoint 1 next to the information desk. Community members who are not flying can leave cards with Renaissance West Community Initiative, which is helping collect and distribute donations.
How to donate
There are two main ways to pitch in. Travelers already inside the terminal can drop eligible gift cards into the donation box near Security Checkpoint 1 during operating hours (Monday through Saturday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Donors who are not passing through security can take cards to Renaissance West Community Initiative during its weekday hours.
CLT warns that “Only grocery and gas gift cards are accepted, per federal guidelines,” and asks donors to stick to $10 or $20 per card, a limit meant to keep distribution simple and fair. For pickup windows and options to coordinate drop offs, donors are directed to visit Renaissance West Community Initiative.
Why this matters
The effort is part of a wider response at airports around the country as TSA personnel have continued to work without pay since the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse on Feb. 14, 2026. Other major hubs have set up food pantries, gift card drives, and similar programs as unpaid officers deal with missed paychecks and mounting bills, with reporting on these efforts surfacing at outlets including Good Morning America and the Los Angeles Times.
Airport leaders say their goal is straightforward: offer screeners a bit of short term relief while funding negotiations continue in Washington. Anyone planning to donate is urged to double check card type and denomination before dropping them off and to confirm partner hours to make sure someone is available to receive the cards.
