How Can We Help?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a fed with two kids, husbands salary is half of mine. Money would help specifically money for food. Or if someone could pay for grocery pickup and I pick it up. (Just a dream but this is probably what helps most). We’re eating beans and frozen ground beef I got on sale. But for my kiddos I still get fresh berries, fresh veggies, and the food they like (and some of it is organic sigh).

I would like to help in this precise way. Even if I could pay for one grocery run for one Fed family that really needs that help, it would be worth it. But, how do I know who needs it? How do I connect with them? PP, where are you located? I am in MoCo, MD.

The last thing I want to do is to give to charitable organizations because I do not want to pay for their executives.

[Anonymous]

I am a furloughed fed. I have a lower graded colleague who received an Aldi gift card in a supportive note in her mailbox the other day. She is really grateful and appreciative.

I'm a furloughed fed. We have healthy savings after 9 months of RIF threats, so I can buy groceries, but some relatives came to visit last weekend and brought a lot of food ror the big family meals, even though we were the hosts. They actually brought enough of the main dish that we got two more meals out of the leftovers. That took a little pressure off the grocery bill but just also made me feel very cared for.

So if you know anyone impacted, do something like that. If you don't, then yes, donate to existing organizations like food banks and community fridges.

[Anonymous]

I am a not-yet-furloughed fed, but have a team that is mostly furloughed but still working employees (different funding lines…)
First, feds have a TON of resources. Most banks are offering no interest loans matching their normal paycheck. I’ve heard some say they don’t want to impact their credit score… but honestly, it is better to pay bills on time and have a no interest loan than to be late on the bills. Plus, when it comes time for a major purchase, these loans can be explained – “I was a furloughed federal employee.” I know one employee took a part time job on the weekends.
That said, for this office of mostly furloughed but still working federal employees – the team set up a mini-food bank that those of us that can are donating to. We did a pot luck last week – with those of us can brought in most of the items and brought in enough for some of the junior employees to take some home. I am providing them a luncheon next week – deli trays from Giant (sandwich tray, wrap tray, hummus tray, fruit tray, vegetable tray) - and ordered enough that they will have some to take home.
On top of that, I am dropping off 8 bags of canned food to my local food bank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a fed with two kids, husbands salary is half of mine. Money would help specifically money for food. Or if someone could pay for grocery pickup and I pick it up. (Just a dream but this is probably what helps most). We’re eating beans and frozen ground beef I got on sale. But for my kiddos I still get fresh berries, fresh veggies, and the food they like (and some of it is organic sigh).

I would like to help in this precise way. Even if I could pay for one grocery run for one Fed family that really needs that help, it would be worth it. But, how do I know who needs it? How do I connect with them? PP, where are you located? I am in MoCo, MD.

The last thing I want to do is to give to charitable organizations because I do not want to pay for their executives.

This is kind, thank you.

If you don't know any feds personally, contact a local church or scout troop - in this area, nearly all will have one or more federal families as members. If you're unsure, look for churches advertising support services for federal employees (there are quite a few). Specify that you want to offer a grocery gift card for affected feds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a fed with two kids, husbands salary is half of mine. Money would help specifically money for food. Or if someone could pay for grocery pickup and I pick it up. (Just a dream but this is probably what helps most). We’re eating beans and frozen ground beef I got on sale. But for my kiddos I still get fresh berries, fresh veggies, and the food they like (and some of it is organic sigh).

I would like to help in this precise way. Even if I could pay for one grocery run for one Fed family that really needs that help, it would be worth it. But, how do I know who needs it? How do I connect with them? PP, where are you located? I am in MoCo, MD.

The last thing I want to do is to give to charitable organizations because I do not want to pay for their executives.

Tubman Elementary School in Columbia Heights, which is high poverty and majority Latino, is having an ongoing food drive to help families at the school who are struggling. They're looking for shelf table food like rice, cans of beans and veggies, snacks, and toiletries. You can drop it off at Tubman (800 Euclid St NW, the old Banneker HS building) until 6pm each school day. The drop off spot is right inside the front door.

[Anonymous]

This is great org: https://www.foodjusticedmv.org

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a not-yet-furloughed fed, but have a team that is mostly furloughed but still working employees (different funding lines…)
First, feds have a TON of resources. Most banks are offering no interest loans matching their normal paycheck. I’ve heard some say they don’t want to impact their credit score… but honestly, it is better to pay bills on time and have a no interest loan than to be late on the bills. Plus, when it comes time for a major purchase, these loans can be explained – “I was a furloughed federal employee.” I know one employee took a part time job on the weekends.
That said, for this office of mostly furloughed but still working federal employees – the team set up a mini-food bank that those of us that can are donating to. We did a pot luck last week – with those of us can brought in most of the items and brought in enough for some of the junior employees to take some home. I am providing them a luncheon next week – deli trays from Giant (sandwich tray, wrap tray, hummus tray, fruit tray, vegetable tray) - and ordered enough that they will have some to take home.
On top of that, I am dropping off 8 bags of canned food to my local food bank.

DP, I just need to clarify that no, "most banks" are not offering interest free loans. Federal employee credit unions have offered loans in the amount of *one* paycheck if you already had direct deposit with them before the shutdown. If you didn't direct-deposit with a CU, you don't get anything, and if you did then it's limited to one paycheck when we're now missing multiple checks.

I personally can afford groceries for now but I am grateful to PPs who want to help others, and don't want them to think it's unneeded. It's going to be a lean holiday season even for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a fed with two kids, husbands salary is half of mine. Money would help specifically money for food. Or if someone could pay for grocery pickup and I pick it up. (Just a dream but this is probably what helps most). We’re eating beans and frozen ground beef I got on sale. But for my kiddos I still get fresh berries, fresh veggies, and the food they like (and some of it is organic sigh).

I would like to help in this precise way. Even if I could pay for one grocery run for one Fed family that really needs that help, it would be worth it. But, how do I know who needs it? How do I connect with them? PP, where are you located? I am in MoCo, MD.

The last thing I want to do is to give to charitable organizations because I do not want to pay for their executives.

I am this poster and I am actually in CT (more rural area). Our support system for food is nonexistent, just small shelves pantries and churches but not a lot of fresh produce - I remember I used to find free lunches during the previous shut down but I was in DC.

I don’t think you can help me because I am not in DC area but keep in mind, food is most important. I can put bills on cards or postpone but we have to eat.

And ugh don’t even get me started on Thanksgiving, dreading that “food feast” purchase.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a fed with two kids, husbands salary is half of mine. Money would help specifically money for food. Or if someone could pay for grocery pickup and I pick it up. (Just a dream but this is probably what helps most). We’re eating beans and frozen ground beef I got on sale. But for my kiddos I still get fresh berries, fresh veggies, and the food they like (and some of it is organic sigh).

If you're still spending on berries and organic food, you're doing pretty ok.

I would rather donate money to a food bank. They are able to get food at a really steep discount, so my dollar goes further than if I bought food. And there are a ton of people on SNAP who aren't getting SNAP for who knows how long, and people who used to be able to donate to food banks can't due to furlough/job loss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a not-yet-furloughed fed, but have a team that is mostly furloughed but still working employees (different funding lines…)
First, feds have a TON of resources. Most banks are offering no interest loans matching their normal paycheck. I’ve heard some say they don’t want to impact their credit score… but honestly, it is better to pay bills on time and have a no interest loan than to be late on the bills. Plus, when it comes time for a major purchase, these loans can be explained – “I was a furloughed federal employee.” I know one employee took a part time job on the weekends.
That said, for this office of mostly furloughed but still working federal employees – the team set up a mini-food bank that those of us that can are donating to. We did a pot luck last week – with those of us can brought in most of the items and brought in enough for some of the junior employees to take some home. I am providing them a luncheon next week – deli trays from Giant (sandwich tray, wrap tray, hummus tray, fruit tray, vegetable tray) - and ordered enough that they will have some to take home.
On top of that, I am dropping off 8 bags of canned food to my local food bank.

DP, I just need to clarify that no, "most banks" are not offering interest free loans. Federal employee credit unions have offered loans in the amount of *one* paycheck if you already had direct deposit with them before the shutdown. If you didn't direct-deposit with a CU, you don't get anything, and if you did then it's limited to one paycheck when we're now missing multiple checks.

I personally can afford groceries for now but I am grateful to PPs who want to help others, and don't want them to think it's unneeded. It's going to be a lean holiday season even for me.

It is most major banks. Bank of America, Chase Bank, US Bank, Truist, Wells Fargo all have programs - you have to (shock) actually call and inquire.
I am a member to both Navy Federal credit union and USAA. Both are offering no interest loans. You get one loan for each missed payday. Not “one loan and that’s it”.
And honestly, everyone knew this furlough was coming. It’s not our first one and it’s not our last one. Why anyone wouldn’t belong to a bank that assists its members of beyond me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a not-yet-furloughed fed, but have a team that is mostly furloughed but still working employees (different funding lines…)
First, feds have a TON of resources. Most banks are offering no interest loans matching their normal paycheck. I’ve heard some say they don’t want to impact their credit score… but honestly, it is better to pay bills on time and have a no interest loan than to be late on the bills. Plus, when it comes time for a major purchase, these loans can be explained – “I was a furloughed federal employee.” I know one employee took a part time job on the weekends.
That said, for this office of mostly furloughed but still working federal employees – the team set up a mini-food bank that those of us that can are donating to. We did a pot luck last week – with those of us can brought in most of the items and brought in enough for some of the junior employees to take some home. I am providing them a luncheon next week – deli trays from Giant (sandwich tray, wrap tray, hummus tray, fruit tray, vegetable tray) - and ordered enough that they will have some to take home.
On top of that, I am dropping off 8 bags of canned food to my local food bank.

DP, I just need to clarify that no, "most banks" are not offering interest free loans. Federal employee credit unions have offered loans in the amount of *one* paycheck if you already had direct deposit with them before the shutdown. If you didn't direct-deposit with a CU, you don't get anything, and if you did then it's limited to one paycheck when we're now missing multiple checks.

I personally can afford groceries for now but I am grateful to PPs who want to help others, and don't want them to think it's unneeded. It's going to be a lean holiday season even for me.

It is most major banks. Bank of America, Chase Bank, US Bank, Truist, Wells Fargo all have programs - you have to (shock) actually call and inquire.
I am a member to both Navy Federal credit union and USAA. Both are offering no interest loans. You get one loan for each missed payday. Not “one loan and that’s it”.
And honestly, everyone knew this furlough was coming. It’s not our first one and it’s not our last one. Why anyone wouldn’t belong to a bank that assists its members of beyond me.

What a crappy take. You and the smug PP with the in-office pantry want to pat yourselves on the back in a thread where people are asking how to help. People need help, other people want to help, so why are you getting in the way with your "people are banking wrong" comments?

If you want to give food or cash to a food bank, that's awesome. If for some reason you don't, like the PP worried about overhead, there are ways to find direct recipients. Any and all help is good. Feds are, on the whole, pretty likely to pass it on if they can, and many of us are already in networks to support colleagues who are struggling.

If somebody gave me a Safeway card I would pass it to needier families I know (and I think most feds would) but if someone in front of me at the grocery covered my bill, I'd be incredibly touched and grateful for that too. And it would make a real difference, even though I'm not destitute yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a not-yet-furloughed fed, but have a team that is mostly furloughed but still working employees (different funding lines…)
First, feds have a TON of resources. Most banks are offering no interest loans matching their normal paycheck. I’ve heard some say they don’t want to impact their credit score… but honestly, it is better to pay bills on time and have a no interest loan than to be late on the bills. Plus, when it comes time for a major purchase, these loans can be explained – “I was a furloughed federal employee.” I know one employee took a part time job on the weekends.
That said, for this office of mostly furloughed but still working federal employees – the team set up a mini-food bank that those of us that can are donating to. We did a pot luck last week – with those of us can brought in most of the items and brought in enough for some of the junior employees to take some home. I am providing them a luncheon next week – deli trays from Giant (sandwich tray, wrap tray, hummus tray, fruit tray, vegetable tray) - and ordered enough that they will have some to take home.
On top of that, I am dropping off 8 bags of canned food to my local food bank.

DP, I just need to clarify that no, "most banks" are not offering interest free loans. Federal employee credit unions have offered loans in the amount of *one* paycheck if you already had direct deposit with them before the shutdown. If you didn't direct-deposit with a CU, you don't get anything, and if you did then it's limited to one paycheck when we're now missing multiple checks.

I personally can afford groceries for now but I am grateful to PPs who want to help others, and don't want them to think it's unneeded. It's going to be a lean holiday season even for me.

It is most major banks. Bank of America, Chase Bank, US Bank, Truist, Wells Fargo all have programs - you have to (shock) actually call and inquire.
I am a member to both Navy Federal credit union and USAA. Both are offering no interest loans. You get one loan for each missed payday. Not “one loan and that’s it”.
And honestly, everyone knew this furlough was coming. It’s not our first one and it’s not our last one. Why anyone wouldn’t belong to a bank that assists its members of beyond me.

What a crappy take. You and the smug PP with the in-office pantry want to pat yourselves on the back in a thread where people are asking how to help. People need help, other people want to help, so why are you getting in the way with your "people are banking wrong" comments?

If you want to give food or cash to a food bank, that's awesome. If for some reason you don't, like the PP worried about overhead, there are ways to find direct recipients. Any and all help is good. Feds are, on the whole, pretty likely to pass it on if they can, and many of us are already in networks to support colleagues who are struggling.

If somebody gave me a Safeway card I would pass it to needier families I know (and I think most feds would) but if someone in front of me at the grocery covered my bill, I'd be incredibly touched and grateful for that too. And it would make a real difference, even though I'm not destitute yet.

Take it into context. The PP accused me of lying about bank assistance available.

[Anonymous]

I need a new roof, my steps fixed and some a room or two painted and my leaves raked

More than happy to hire one of you.

I say that as a very very rich lady when we were very very very broke hired my brother and I as teens to support our widowed mom and she let us paint, do work for her. We painted her whole basement. My mom did not believe in charity but she was ok with us working for money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I need a new roof, my steps fixed and some a room or two painted and my leaves raked

More than happy to hire one of you.

I say that as a very very rich lady when we were very very very broke hired my brother and I as teens to support our widowed mom and she let us paint, do work for her. We painted her whole basement. My mom did not believe in charity but she was ok with us working for money.

Great. Post your details and I'm sure somebody will respond. The anonymous "I'd be happy to hire you" stuff is not very helpful.

The 700,000 excepted feds who are commuting and working without a paycheck don't have a lot of time for gig work, though, and they still need to eat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I need a new roof, my steps fixed and some a room or two painted and my leaves raked

More than happy to hire one of you.

I say that as a very very rich lady when we were very very very broke hired my brother and I as teens to support our widowed mom and she let us paint, do work for her. We painted her whole basement. My mom did not believe in charity but she was ok with us working for money.

I can rake leaves and paint rooms, but I've never done ANY roof work or fixed steps (wood I can take a crack at, cement or brick are a different ballgame). Do you really want some random social worker, statistician, budget officer, etc to show up and use your roof as a learning experience?