COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — As the partial government shutdown continues, TSA agents across the country have remained without pay for nearly 40 days. With no end in sight, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is looking to ease the burden on its 70 impacted agents through a donations room. The room is f illed with items the agents can grab without notice — including non perishable food, diapers, pet supplies, water, and more. During a short period, ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams witnessed seven TSA agents utilize the room. And while he was informed that TSA agents are not authorized to speak on camera, he spoke to one TSA supervisor who said that it’s heartbreaking to see their employees not be able to buy groceries or put gas in their car — adding that the donations from the community brought them to tears. Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing and Air Service Development, says the airport is happy to help. “Right now I think it’s at day 36 or 37 of no pay, yet every one of our TSA agents are continuing to show up day after day. This is a huge pain point, and its one that at this current time we don’t have any sort of information on when it could potentially end,” she says. Compared to other airport workers, TSA agents are singled out in the shutdown because they’re federal employees. Put simply, TSA agents focus on safety — while other airport workers — say in ticketing or baggage handling — focus on service. Crafton says passengers, community members, and local leaders have brought items to help — and they’re making it easy for you to help too. “At any point, you are welcome to drop off non-perishable food items, or home supplies or personal supplies at the valet booth. You can just drive right up as if you’re dropping someone off, or you can come inside and donate at the information desk. As of right now, we’re planning to do this indefinitely. We will keep this drive happening as long as need be,” she says. Several other TSA agents Williams spoke with say the donations are all very much appreciated. “This airport team — we’re small but mighty — but we have been able to reach and do so much because this community has really rallied around this need and this cause. And so we just wanna say thank you we really appreciate everything,” says Crafton. Currently there are no ICE agents working inside CAE, however those helping at airports around the country do continue to receive pay because they’re classified as essential personnel within the Department of Homeland Security. Categories: Local News, News Tags: CAE, donations, Government Shutdown, Kim Crafton, TSA ...read more read less