PHOENIX — As the partial government shutdown enters its third week, some businesses and organizations are offering freebies and financial assistance to federal employees.
We've gathered a few offers below. We will continue to update our list as additional information comes into the newsroom. Have a deal you'd like us to know about? Send an email to share@abc15.com.
LOCAL OFFERS
YMCA: The Valley of the Sun YMCA is offering furloughed government workers a one-month membership. Government workers with a YMCA membership can have their January dues waived. Non-members will receive a free month membership. Please bring your government I.D. to any YMCA branch. More information.
Rigatony's Authentic Italian: Federal government workers affected by the shutdown can receive a free lunch or dinner entree each day "until our government gets off the stick and gives you your paycheck back!" according to a Facebook post. You will need to show a manager your government I.D. Available for dine-in only.
Waldo's BBQ: Waldo's is offering federal employees and their families affected by the shutdown a free meal until the government reopens. The deal is valid on Thursdays only from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., according to a Facebook post. Waldo's has restaurants in Mesa and Gilbert.
Barrio Cafe: Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza announced on Facebook that federal government workers can get a free meal at her restaurant while the government remains shutdown. Employees just have to bring in their zero-net federal government pay stub. You can also get a free dessert and a $1 beer or margarita.
The Brass Tap (downtown Gilbert): Furloughed federal workers can get 50% off "handheld menu" items, Monday - Thursday, from open to 6 p.m., according to aFacebook post. Items include burgers, tacos, flatbreads, wraps, pizza and sliders.
Muscular Moving Men: The moving company is offering workers a 10-percent discount on moves while the government remains partially shutdown.
Sedona Pizza Company (Sedona): As long as the government remains shut down, federal employees can receive a complimentary meal and a non-alcoholic drink. A beer or margarita can be purchased for $1.
Canyon Breeze (Sedona): Federal workers affected by the shut down can receive a free meal and non-alcoholic drink. A beer or margarita can be purchased for $1.
Get Air Indoor Trampoline Park (Tucson, Yuma): Furloughed government workers and three immediate family members can get one free hour of jump time on Wednesday and Thursday until the shutdown ends. More information.
Floyd's 99 Barbershop: Furloughed government workers can get a half-prized haircut and complimentary massage shampoo until the government shutdown ends. There are five locations in the Valley. More information.
St Mary's Food Bank: Furloughed government workers can receive free dog or cat food upon request while at the Knight Center at 3131 West Thomas.
Great Skate (Chandler, Glendale, Mesa): Furloughed government workers and up to four immediate family members can roller skate for free this weekend at Great Skate in Chandler, Glendale and Mesa. Sessions are Friday, 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. More information.
Lyft: The ride-share company said it has seen an increase of furloughed government workers signing up to be drivers. They are offering those drivers a one-time $20 gas giftcard. A spokesperson said drivers can apply through the Lyft app.
Sal's Gilbert Pizza: In a Facebook post, Sal's Gilbert Pizza said it will give furloughed government workers a $30 gift card that "can be used at any time."
Octane Raceway: On Monday, Jan. 14, government workers and their immediate families will be able to choose between a free go-kart race or virtual reality experience. Proof of government employment required.
St. Mary's Food Bank: On Monday, Jan. 14, St. Mary's Food Bank will have its mobile truck at the Phoenix TSA offices, 410 N. 44th Street, to hand-out food to TSA workers and their families. The truck will be there from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Arizona Science Center: Between Jan. 12-21, 2019, federal government workers can receive free admission for himself or herself, and one guest. Proof of government employment required. On. Jan. 18, the Arizona Science Center will host "Science with a Twist," an adults-only speakeasy-style event with science activities and cocktails. Federal workers can receive free admission to that event along with a guest.
Stratum Laser Tag: Between Jan. 14-20, federal workers can get one free game of laser tag, Monday - Thursday, or 50-percent off unlimited laser tag (normally $19.99), Friday - Sunday. Federal workers can bring up to three people.
NATIONAL HELP
Rosetta Stone: Federal workers can start to learn a new language. Rosetta Stone is offering federal workers a free three-month online subscription. More information.
Verizon: Government workers can join Verizon's "Promise to Pay" program and set a future payment date. You can sign-up through the Verizon app or by calling, 1-866-266-1445. More information.
ATT: ATT said its customer service representatives will "adjust late fees, provide extensions, and coordinate with you on revised payment schedules." More information.
Sprint: "Sprint Customer Care is prepared to work with federal government employees seeking short-term payment solutions." Government workers can call Spring at 888-211-4727. More information.
T-Mobile: Government workers can call T-Mobile at 1-877-746-0909 to discuss short-term payment options, which could include spreading payment out over time or deferring payment. More information.
Chase: Federal employees affected by the partial government shutdown can call a special line to discuss their options, 1-888-356-0023. The bank also said it " automatically waive or refund overdraft and monthly service fees" until the shutdown ends.
Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo said it "is here to help customers who are experiencing hardship as a result of the federal government shutdown." More information.
U.S. Bank: The bank has created a low-rate loan for federal works affected by the shutdown. They have also established a special phone line for federal workers, 877-760-6046. More information.
Bank of America: Federal workers can contact Bank of America through a special line, 844-219-0690, to discuss their options. More information.
OneAZ Credit Union: Members of the credit union affected by the partial government shutdown can call 1-844-663-2928 to discuss their options, including loan deferments or similar loan modifications.
WhatABurger: Government workers affected by the shutdown can get a free taquito and coffee from specific WhatABurger restaurants. The offer begins Saturday, Jan. 26 and will run "until further notice." The offer can only be redeemed inside the restaurant. It is not valid for drive-thru or mobile orders. Government ID required.
