By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News/Blizzard Broadcasting.

 

Yampa Valley Regional Airport is accepting donations to help support TSA agents, during the government shut down. The TSA agents are not being paid.

A Donation Drop-off is at the airport, for perishable or non-perishable items, plus retailer gift cards, like from grocery stories and gas stations. Cash and alcoholic beverages are not accepted. More information is below.

 

Press Release from Routt County; March 19, 2026.

Yampa Valley Regional Airport Accepts Donations to Support Local Federal Employees During Government Shutdown

 

Routt County, CO, March 20, 2026 –Yampa Valley Regional Airport (YVRA) has organized a community donation effort to support local federal employees who are currently working without pay. YVRA is currently accepting donations from the public to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff and other federal employees who continue to provide essential services at the airport despite the shutdown.

“Our federal partners continue to show up every day to keep the traveling public safe,” said Tinneal Gerber, Airport Director. “This community donation effort is one way we can show appreciation and help ease the strain the shutdown has placed on these dedicated professionals.”

Donation Drop-off Locations & Hours

905 Wings Way, Suite 255, Hayden, CO 81639

• 5:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Suite 255 and TSA checkpoint hours vary for certain items)
• Public drop-off also available on the 2nd level foyer, with directional signage posted.
• Donation areas will be continuously monitored throughout the day.

Accepted Donations

• Non-perishable food items
  Drop-off in 2nd level foyer behind 3Wire Restaurant; follow signs.
• Perishable items
  Accepted 5:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Suite 255 or TSA checkpoint.
• Retailer gift cards (grocery, gas stations, general retailers)
  Accepted 5:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Suite 255 or TSA checkpoint.
  Maximum value: $50 per individual donor
  Preferred denominations: $10 or less

Prohibited Donations

To comply with federal regulations, the following cannot be accepted:

• Cash or cash equivalents
  (prepaid, reloadable, or stored-value cards; checks; money orders; cards with payment network logos such as Visa or Mastercard)
• Alcoholic beverages

 

Contact: info@co.routt.co.us