The Yampa Valley Regional Airport is asking for donations for federal workers struggling during the government shutdown.

Beginning Nov. 1, donations of food or retailer gift cards can be brought to the airport terminal. Non-perishable items should be brought to the second level foyer, while perishable items and gift cards should be brought to suite 255 or Transportation Security Administration checkpoint between 5:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“We have a large federal workforce who still shows up, despite the shutdown,” said Airport Director Tinneal Gerber. “Day in, day out, they still work hard.”

All federal government employees are eligible to receive donations, not just those working at the airport.

Prohibited items include alcohol, cash, checks or prepaid cards. Fuel or grocery cards can only be accepted in $10 denominations, according to federal government guidelines.

Currently, the six daily flights — three departures and arrivals from Denver — at the airport are unaffected. Sixteen TSA employees work at the airport, along with other federal employees.

If the government shutdown persists into December — a situation Gerber doubts will occur — the additional 15 to 20 TSA workers that the airport needs for season could be affected.

“We are still being told the extra batch of TSA workers are coming,” explained Gerber. “But, if we need to make alternate plans, we will do so when the time comes.”

Donation information can be found at flysteamboat.com.

Nick Slater is the Outdoors and Sports Reporter for the Steamboat Pilot. He can be reached at nslater@steamboatpilot.com or 224-830-2875.