Harry Reid Airport Reopens Pantry for Unpaid Federal Staff | The Locally Times
For the second time in less than six months, Harry Reid International Airport's Food & Essentials Pantry is providing vital supplies to federal employees, including TSA and CBP agents, working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
For the second time in less than six months, a federal government shutdown has left essential workers at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) without pay. In response, LAS has reactivated its Food & Essentials Pantry, offering a critical lifeline to federal employees, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, who continue to safeguard the traveling public despite an ongoing funding lapse. ## Pantry Provides Critical Supplies The pantry, a testament to the airport community's consistent commitment, offers a comprehensive range of supplies. This support aims to ensure critical airport personnel and their families maintain access to necessities during periods of financial uncertainty. LAS emphasizes the essential role of TSA and CBP employees in maintaining daily airport safety and security, noting their continued service despite the funding lapse and the recurring need for community response. ## How to Help: Pantry Operations and Donations Operating Monday through Friday, the pantry offers two service windows to accommodate diverse shifts: 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The airport confirms the pantry will remain operational until the partial government shutdown concludes, providing ongoing relief to affected families. Community members, companies, and organizations wishing to contribute can coordinate drop-offs of needed items by contacting the Airport Control Center at (702) 261-7157. Public donation drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., as released by Harry Reid International Airport. Items are distributed based on available inventory and provided while supplies last. ## Broader Community Engagement Beyond the immediate crisis, the Harry Reid International Airport community demonstrates a broader commitment to local well-being through various volunteer efforts. The LAS Community Enrichment Team recently volunteered with the Just One Project, distributing fresh groceries to 1,500 households in need. This marked the team's first volunteer event of the year, contributing to an annual total of 150 volunteer hours across multiple events, as documented by Harry Reid International Airport. Additionally, dozens of LAS employees participated in Nevada Reading Week, sharing their love of books with local schoolchildren at Gene Ward Elementary School, fostering educational engagement. Local municipalities also foster community engagement. The City of Boulder City is scheduled to host 'The Big Clean' tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Bravo Field Parking Lot. This event encourages residents to recycle, repurpose, and renew unneeded household items. The Town of Pahrump is currently accepting applications for Lifeguards and Cashiers for the upcoming 2026 Pool Season, with applications due by April 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. These roles offer local employment opportunities for individuals aged 14 and older for cashiers, and 15 and older for lifeguards. ## Key Questions **Who benefits from the Food & Essentials Pantry?** The pantry supports federal employees, including TSA and Customs and Border Protection personnel, who are working without pay during the partial federal government shutdown, ensuring they have access to essential supplies. **How can the community contribute to the pantry?** Companies and organizations can coordinate drop-offs of nonperishable food, toiletries, hygiene products, baby and pet supplies, and household essentials by contacting the Airport Control Center at (702) 261-7157 during specified hours. **When is 'The Big Clean' event in Boulder City?** 'The Big Clean' is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Bravo Field Parking Lot, offering residents a chance to recycle and repurpose household items.