More than a month into the government shutdown and many federal workers are really feeling the pinch. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the partial government shutdown affects approximately 25,000 Tennesseans. To help out, we've put together this guide of ways some local and national businesses are trying to help. If you know of another business with a special for furloughed federal workers, please send info to stephanied@macaronikid.com
LOCAL
Nashville Zoo - The Nashville Zoo is offering complimentary admission to all federal employees and their immediate families affected by the government shutdown. This offer includes parking fee and can be redeemed at the ticket booth after showing valid federal ID or identification indicating employment with the federal government. This offer will continue until the government shutdown ends.
One Gen Away - If you or anyone you know is a Federal employee and are affected by the Government shut down and are in need of food please call OneGenAway at (615) 538-7413. We will be asking, in this case, for you to please bring your Federal employment verification.
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - Taziki's Nashville locations (this includes Cool Springs, Green Hills, West End, Brentwood, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, The Gulch and Downtown Franklin) are offering a 25% discount to federal employees who are furloughed or not getting paid during the government shutdown. Please bring your government-issued ID.
Harlem Globetrotters at Bridgestone Arena - The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Nashville Saturday, January 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. They are offering complimentary game tickets to any U.S. government employee currently on furlough to the 2019 Fan Powered North American Tour. Show valid government ID to the local box office to receive 2 tickets while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Check with your local box office for details.
Discovery Center in Murfreesboro - The Discovery Center in Murfreesboro is offering free admission to federal employees and contractors affected by the shutdown, along with up to three guests, on Sunday, January 27. To receive free admission, furloughed employees and contractors must show a valid federal ID or badge upon entry to the Discovery Center on Jan. 27, during the museum's normal Sunday operating hours (1 to 5 p.m.)
Second Harvest Food Bank - The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is accepting donations of food or money that can help with future needs of furloughed employees and is also looking for volunteers. One example of a way they've recently helped is when volunteers packed over 300 boxes for TSA agents affected by the shutdown. If you or someone you know has been affected by the shutdown, call 2-1-1 for around the clock assistance or visit https://secondharvestmidtn.org/
Nashville Children's Theatre - If you’re a furloughed federal employee, Nashville Children's Theatre is offering up to four complimentary tickets to a performance in the 2018-19 season. Simply arrive in person to NCT’s box office with your Federal ID by January 26. Check online for Box Office hours.
Serenity Salt Cave - On Thursday, January 24 and Friday, January 25, all federal employees who have been impacted by the government shutdown and can bring their federal ID can receive a free Himalayan Salt Cave session. One session per employee. reservations recommended, but walk-ins will be taken as long as there is availability. No refunds will be given. Open 9:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. All sessions start at the top of the hour, so you need to be there 15 min. early!
Spring Hill #615-302-0443
Murfreesboro #615-494-9920
Nolensville #615-776-2522
Nashville Symphony - The Nashville Symphony is offering complimentary tickets to select upcoming concerts for furloughed federal workers and their families. Furloughed federal government employees are eligible to receive up to two (and, in some cases, up to four) complimentary concert tickets for performances through May 2019. Tickets are subject to availability and must be reserved by February 15, 2019, by visiting the Schermerhorn Box Office in person or by calling 615.687.6400. A government-issued ID is required upon pickup. Eligible concerts include Classical Series performances of Beethoven’s Seventh (February 21-23) and Guerrero Conducts Bernstein (April 5-6), Igudesman & Joo (February 17), The Music of Aretha Franklin (March 26), Silkroad Ensemble (April 1) and National Geographic Live: Hilaree O’Neill – Point of No Return (February 11).
NATIONAL
Several banks and telecommunications companies are offering a helping hand.
Bank of America - Bank of America's Client Assistance Program is offering personalized financial assistance. Call 844-219-0690.
Wells Fargo - In a statement on its website, Wells Fargo says it will “work with customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown.” For assistance, call 800-219-9739 or visit any Wells Fargo branch.
Discover - Impacted federal workers who are Discover cardmembers or have a loan with Discover Bank may be eligible for assistance. Call about assistance any time at 1-800-DISCOVER.
Chase - Those affected by the shutdown can call the special care line at 1-888-356-0023 to discuss mortgages accounts, credit cards or car loans.
AT&T - On their website, AT&T says customers affected by the shutdown are eligible for flexible payment options to keep services, such as phone, TV and internet, running. The customer service team will adjust late fees, provide extensions, and coordinate with affected customers on revised payment schedules.
Verizon - Nancy Clark, Verizon’s SVP of customer service, released a statement saying the company is “waiving late fees and agent assist fees for federal government employees directly impacted for the duration of the shutdown.”
Sprint - In a statement on their website, Sprint CEO Michel Combes said “our care reps will coordinate with qualified customers and our financial team to find a payment option that works and keep your service uninterrupted during the government shutdown.”
T-Mobile - Short-term account assistance is available to customers affected by the government shutdown. Customers can call T-Mobile Customer Care at 611 from a T-Mobile device or 877-746-0909 from any phone to discuss options.
***Note: We will continue to update this information as new information comes in - if you know of a business offering assistance to affected workers, please e-mail details to stephanied@macaronikid.com***
