Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe is supporting over 80,000 federal workers whose income has been disrupted by the government shutdown through its own fundraiser. Over $360,000 of the total goal of $400,000 has been raised so far.
GoFundMe teamed up with celebrity health guru Dr. Deepak Chopra to raise the funds which will be donated directly to non-profits that are focused on helping government workers affected by the government shutdown.
“We all read these stories and feel helpless. We are stuck because we don’t know what to do. We want to provide a place for people to take action and help someone in need, because, together, we have power to make a difference and provide critical short-term relief,” said the website.
GoFundMe page noted that the civil servants shouldn’t be standing in a line at a food pantry and “wonder where their next meal is coming from, or wonder if they have enough diapers to make it through the night with their newborn.”
“The money raised will be distributed to non-profit organizations across the country that are offering general relief to government workers, including but not limited to, food, counseling, and housing support,” the website informed.
The funds will be collected and administered by U.S. public charity Direct Impact Fund, according to the GoFundMe site. Some of the funds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, which is planning to provide free meals for federal employees since hundreds of them reside in the D.C. Metro area.
Non-profit servicing federal workers affected by the shutdown are encouraged to reach out to the fundraisers at contact@gofundme.com.
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