DeKalb County Superior Court is partnering with local organizations and churches to provide furloughed federal employees with non-perishable items and toiletries.
“The partial government shutdown is affecting many fellow public servants, some still reporting to work without pay,” Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry said in a statement. “These families are a priority and need any assistance we can provide during this difficult time. It is only right and humane.”
The shutdown, now on its 32nd day, has caused a surge in unemployment claims among federal employees in Georgia. More than 1,200 federal employees in the state have sought new unemployment benefits.
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The DeKalb court is just the latest entity to offer aid.
On Friday, The Atlanta Community Food Bank delivered food to Transportation Security Administration officers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Atlanta’s airport. The employees are among those working without pay during the shutdown.
In some cases, corporations have stepped in to fund government-owned entities. Last week, Delta Air Lines gave The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park a $83,500 grant, enough to keep the park open through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3. The park is run by the National Park Service.
Donations will be accepted at the following locations:
•The DeKalb County Superior Court and DeKalb County Courthouse on 556 North McDonough Street in Decatur
•The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office on 4415 Memorial Drive in Decatur
•Berean Christian Church on 2201 Young Road in Stone Mountain
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is only accepting gift cards at its 6400 Woodrow Road location in Lithonia. Gift cards from Kroger, Publix, Target and Walmart are accepted.
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