From visits to the Huntsville Botanical Garden to free pet food, there are a range of offers to help federal workers going without pay during the record-long government shutdown.
There are roughly 5,500 employees in Alabama either furloughed or on the job without pay. About half of those work at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, with 95 percent of NASA employee off the job.
Here’s a look at some of the offers for unpaid government workers:
Haircuts and more
Paul Mitchell School in Huntsville is offering a complimentary shampoo, haircut and blow dry for all furloughed government employees.
Free pet food
The Greater Huntsville Humane Society will be distributing free dog and cat food to furloughed employees Jan. 23 from 9 a.m.- noon.
The distribution will take place in the Annex Building behind the shelter at 2812 Johnson Road. Please bring an ID and proof of furloughed status.
Trampoline park
Altitude Huntsville is offering furloughed government employees and their families a 50 percent discount on regularly priced Open Jump tickets Monday through Thursday from 3-9 p.m. Government ID badge required. Offer is valid until government shutdown has ended and cannot be used on 6/under jump tickets or combined with any other coupons or promotions.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Botanical Garden is inviting furloughed federal workers and their immediate families to visit the garden for no charge.
Nothing But Noodles
All furloughed workers can get 50 percent off their entire meal. Work badge or ID must be provided. Offer good at both Huntsville locations: 4800 Whitesburg Drive and 6125 University Drive.
Farm Burger
Farm Burger in Birmingham and Huntsville is offering free meals to furloughed federal employees every Friday until the government shutdown ends. Offer includes a free chicken burger, fries and iced tea to federal government employees who show their valid ID.
Tonya Jones SalonSpa
Tonya Jones SalonSpa is offering discounts to government employees at its four Alabama loications. The chain is offering a 50 percent discount on haircuts and a 20 percent discount on hair coloring for government employees. Discounts are offered every day at the Huntsville location and on Thursday at each of the Birmingham locations.
Liberty Tax
Liberty Tax has expanded its Easy Advance program to offer federal employees working without pay or furloughed access to an immediate tax refund advance of $500 with no interest or fees if they have an expected net federal tax refund of at least $1,001. In addition, Liberty Tax is offering a $50 discount on their tax preparation fees.
To find a local Liberty Tax office, call 866-871-1040 or visit www.libertytax.com. Liberty Tax does take appointments; however, they are not necessary.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A on University Drive in Huntsville is offering 50 percent off their meal. Work badge or government ID required.
Government shutdown: Free food, financial assistance, temp jobs; How furloughed feds can find help
