RENO, Nev. – The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority is hosting a news conference tomorrow to accept a large donation to its Transportation Security Administration employees that are currently working without pay due to the partial federal shutdown. The RTAA will also announce new ways the community can assist these employees while telling stories of the hardships they face and the heartwarming kindness they have received from the community.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority will present $17,500 worth of gift cards to the airport for distribution to federal employees working at the airport. The public is also invited to donate cash or gift cards through the airport front desk.

Who:      Bob Lucey, Chairman of the RSCVA Board of Directors

Marily Mora, President/CEO of Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Phil DeLone, President and CEO of the RSCVA

Ed Lawson, Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Sparks

What:    Donation to federal employees/next steps for support

Where:  Reno-Tahoe International Airport Ski Sculpture in the main lobby

When:  Thursday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.

Employees of the Transportation Security Administration are working without paychecks while keeping our skies safe. Gift cards and cash that can help them purchase basic necessities like food, diapers, medicine and more are accepted at the Front Desk of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority offices during regular business hours.

The public can park for free in the parking garage for 10 minutes to provide time to walk in and drop their donation off at the offices adjacent to the ski statue in the terminal between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Members of the public who would like to attend the news conference are welcome to do so, but regular parking fees apply.