Summary
During a prolonged U.S. government shutdown, volunteers across the country are providing services to their communities to fill gaps left by suspended federal programs. Initiatives like Pensacola Grocery Buddies pair people in need with donors to cover groceries, while volunteers at places like the Oklahoma City National Memorial help maintain essential services.
Key Facts
- Pensacola Grocery Buddies was created to help with food costs during the government shutdown.
- In two weeks, the group connected over 300 people needing help with donors and raised over $10,000.
- Volunteers are stepping up across the nation to maintain services usually provided by the federal government.
- The Oklahoma City National Memorial relies on volunteers to give tours, normally led by furloughed park rangers.
- The site remembers 168 people killed in a bombing 30 years ago.
- Volunteers promote a culture of giving back, drawing on their personal experiences.
- A graduate in North Carolina started her own "Grocery Buddies" chapter to meet local needs.
- People face challenges due to a long-standing drop in volunteer numbers, compounded by the shutdown.
