The shutdown of the federal government continues, but Americans are making sure that the furloughed government employees do not suffer in the meantime. Companies and individuals have all contributed to make sure that no one is left without the ability to meet their needs due to fighting politicians. Here are some of the top ways that Americans are reaching out to help one another.

 Kraft Now Pay Later

On January 15, 2019, the government entered day 25 of the shutdown. That same day, Kraft Heinz Co. announced that it would be opening a pop-up grocery store in Washington, D.C. for the next few days. The offered federal workers unlimited free Kraft food products such as its famous mac and cheese mix.

 No Late Fees

Verizon and AT&T have both stated that they will be waiving late fees for federal employees. Instead, both companies will be offering flexible payment options or extensions for customers affected by the shutdown. Verizon is also waiving agent assist fees, and AT&T has promised to provide revised payment schedules for those who are currently furloughed.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads in Virginia has made a vow similar to the two phone companies. Instead of waiving late fees, however, the YMCA has waived fees for the entire month of January for those who are impacted by the shutdown.

Restaurant Assistance

Going out to eat is the last thing that anyone expects to be doing when they are, effectively, out of a job. Many local establishments and restaurants, however, have stated that they are willing to open their doors to federal employees looking for a hot meal. Plaza del Sol in Virginia has volunteered to give federal workers free tacos, and Kahiau’s Bakery and Café, also located in Virginia, has promised to give furloughed employees a free bagel or breakfast sandwich as long as they show their government ID. Stefano’s Pizza Express in Texas has made a similar promise involving free pizza and Ruby Slipper Café, a chain with locations in Louisiana, Florida and Alabama, has offered to give furloughed workers a free entrée and beverage.

Taking Their Mind Off Matters

Government employees are not technically out of a job with the shutdown, but the knowledge that they will eventually get back pay does not make it less stressful to try and make ends meet now. In order to help furloughed employees take their minds off current events, several venues have stepped up to provide some free entertainment. In Virginia, a Destruction Room has been created to allow furloughed employees to take their frustrations out by smashing inanimate objects, and Push Comedy Theater is performing free shows. Filmmaker Michael Moore has allowed government employees to receive free entry and refreshments at his Michigan movie theaters as is For Greene’s Brooklyn Academy of Musca’s Rose Cinema and the Museum of Moving Image. The Adler Planetarium in Chicago has also joined in and promised each government employee two free general passes in order to escape their stresses for a day.

Furry Furlough

Much of the coverage of the government shutdown has focused on the humans who are struggling, but when humans cannot pay the bills, their furry companions suffer, too. The local SPCA in New York’s Suffolk County, however, has not forgotten employees pets. The shelter has promised to give federal employees free pet food for as long as their surplus supply lasts.

In a country whose federal government has shut down because of the inability of politicians to agree or compromise, it is good to see that the same divisions do not run as deeply as the elites in Washington would have people believe. At the end of the day, we are all Americans, and it is nice to see people finally remembering that in a time characterized more by division than unity.