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Altruistic Spirit Burns Bright as Community Leaders Aid Federal Workers

Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes, one of the task force organizers, lays out plans to help federal workers.
Robbie Gaffney
/
WFSU-FM
Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes, one of the task force organizers, lays out plans to help federal workers.
Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes, one of the task force organizers, lays out plans to help federal workers.
Credit Robbie Gaffney / WFSU-FM
/
WFSU-FM
Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes, one of the task force organizers, lays out plans to help federal workers.

A 27-day U.S. government shutdown, the longest on record, has sparked altruism in the hearts of community leaders.

"Radio version of the article"

Faith-based organizations and local businesses are offering financial aid to Leon County’s federal workers. There are around 1,800 federal workers in Leon County, 200 - 300 of which are directly impacted by the shutdown. Now, help is coming from a faith-based task force dubbed, the “Love Thy Neighbor” movement. It’s providing aid—from gas to grocery cards— to federal workers. Pastor Brant Copeland, says that the government is asking its workers to do the impossible.

A small group of federal workers was present during the "Love Thy Neighbor" press conference.
Credit Robbie Gaffney / WFSU-FM
/
WFSU-FM
A small group of federal workers was present during the "Love Thy Neighbor" press conference.
A federal worker thanks his community for providing financial aid.
Credit Robbie Gaffney / WFSU-FM
/
WFSU-FM
A federal worker thanks his community for providing financial aid.

Pastor Brant Copeland speaking at the "Love Thy Neighbor" press conference.
Credit Robbie Gaffney / WFSU-FM
/
WFSU-FM
Pastor Brant Copeland speaking at the "Love Thy Neighbor" press conference.

“Requiring people to work without pay is at the very least exploitative and at its worst a form of involuntary servitude. While we may not be able to end the stalemate in Washington, we can reach out to our neighbors in need and whatever your religious tradition, surely we agree that this is the right thing to do,” says Pastor Copeland.

Task force leaders planned a special worship service for 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon for residents to drop off donations. However, federal workers will be receiving aid not just from their neighbors but from their city as well. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey says that he will not shut down utilities for federal workers impacted by the U.S. government shutdown, if their payment were to lapse. He stood among organizers of the “Love They Neighbor” press conference held January 18. 

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey announcing he will not shut off power for federal workers impacted by the shut down.
Credit Robbie Gaffney / WFSU-FM
/
WFSU-FM
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey announcing he will not shut off power for federal workers impacted by the shut down.

“Call me in the mayor’s office and we are going to work with each individual and every family, because the last thing you need to worry about is your electricity and clean water. We are community partners. We are your city and we are there to help,” says Mayor Dailey.

Copyright 2019 WFSU

Robbie Gaffney is a recent graduate from Florida State University with degrees in Digital Media Production and Creative Writing. Before working at WFSU, they recorded FSU’s basketball and baseball games for Seminole Productions as well as interned for the PBS Station in Largo, Florida. Robbie loves playing video games such as Shadow of the Colossus, Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. Their other hobbies include sleeping and watching anime.