Local Woman Launches Donation Drive to Help Norfolk TSA Workers During Shutdown

Shawn Somerville collects gas cards and non-perishable food to support TSA employees missing paychecks due to the partial government shutdown.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:19am

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As TSA workers at Norfolk International Airport go unpaid during the partial government shutdown, a local woman named Shawn Somerville has launched a donation drive to help ease their burden. Somerville, a school nurse and president of the nonprofit Authentic Blessings, has been collecting gas cards and non-perishable food to deliver to the airport's TSA workers who are struggling to pay rent, buy groceries, and fill up their gas tanks.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has caused significant hardship for many federal workers, including TSA agents who play a critical role in airport security. Somerville's donation drive highlights the community's efforts to support these workers during a difficult time and underscores the broader impact of political gridlock on ordinary citizens.

The details

Somerville was inspired to start the 'Carry-On Kindness' donation drive after a relative of a TSA employee reached out about the struggles some workers are facing. She has been collecting gas cards and non-perishable food, which she plans to deliver to the TSA workers' pantry at Norfolk International Airport. Somerville said the airport supervisor was grateful for any assistance they could provide to the affected employees.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • TSA workers missed their first full paycheck on Friday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Shawn Somerville

A school nurse and the president of the nonprofit Authentic Blessings, which was born eight years ago from giving out toys to children. Somerville launched the 'Carry-On Kindness' donation drive to help TSA workers at Norfolk International Airport who are missing paychecks due to the partial government shutdown.

Norfolk International Airport

The airport where TSA workers are being affected by the partial government shutdown and where Somerville is delivering the donated gas cards and non-perishable food.

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What they’re saying

“Think about just losing a check... Bills don't stop. Mortgage doesn't stop. Rent doesn't stop.”

— Shawn Somerville, Donation Drive Organizer

“He was like, 'whatever you have, we're grateful for it.'”

— Shawn Somerville, Donation Drive Organizer

What’s next

Somerville plans to continue collecting donations and delivering them to the TSA workers' pantry at Norfolk International Airport as long as the partial government shutdown persists and TSA employees continue to miss paychecks.

The takeaway

Somerville's 'Carry-On Kindness' donation drive demonstrates the community's willingness to support federal workers affected by the political gridlock in Washington, D.C. Her efforts highlight the real-world impact of the partial government shutdown on ordinary citizens and the importance of grassroots initiatives to help those in need.