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Women's Lifestyle Magazine

Local Businesses Offering Support to Furloughed Federal Workers

Jan 24, 2019 09:35AM ● By WLMagazine
During the current government shutdown, local businesses in the greater Grand Rapids area are showing their support for affected federal employees. Below, is a comprehensive list of businesses offering benefits to furloughed federal workers. This list will be updated as we receive information about organization offering support.  Note: All businesses require proof of federal employment ID.

If you have a business to be added to this list, please email [email protected] 

Grand Rapids

Old National Bank

For a limited time, Old National Bank is issuing short-term, no-interest loans to qualifying furloughed federal employees. Visit a banking center or call Old National's client care line at 1-800-731-2265 to discuss your personal situation and eligibility. Oldnational.com.  Various locations. 

Independent Bank 

Independent Bank is offering assistance to government works not receiving a paycheck during the shutdown. Please contact 844.279.2748 or [email protected] to work one-on-one with an Independent Bank representative.

Aries Doberman Liberation Rescue 

Aries Doberman Liberation Rescue is hosting an on-going fundraiser for pet supplies to donate to furloughed federal employees and their families. Click here for various drop off locations across West Michigan. Anyone needing assistance can email [email protected].

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen

The children of affected federal workers eat free for the span of the shutdown. 1059 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 723-9770

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Two free tickets are available to any government employee for the play “And Then There Were None”. Advanced tickets are available at the Box Office which is open Monday through Friday from 10 am-5 pm, or the night of the performance. Performance dates can be found on their website via the link below: Grct.org/and-then-there-were-none/  30 Division Ave. N. Grand Rapids, MI 49503. (616) 222-6650

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

Federal workers affected by the shutdown can attend the gallery for free with up to four family members. This offer stands for the duration of the shutdown UICA.org.  2 Fulton St. W Grand Rapids, MI 49503. (616) 454-7000

Grand Rapids Symphony

Free tickets are offered to any furloughed federal workers affected by the shutdown. Two tickets for any upcoming Symphony concert, and four for any of its upcoming Family series or Lollipop concerts to affected workers and their families. Concert dates and details on tickets can be found on their website via the link below: Grsymphony.org/concert-calendar . 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503. (616) 454-9451

Grand Rapids Children's Museum 

Furloughed workers are allowed free admission for themselves and up to three guests. GRCM.org. 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. (616) 235-4726

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Furloughed workers are allowed free admission for themselves and up to three guests.Artmuseumgr.org101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 616.831.1000

Grand Haven

Arturo’s Tacos Coast Guard members can receive a free lunch or dinner special for the duration of the government shutdown. 305 N Beacon Blvd. Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 844-4100

Grand Armory Brewing Company

During the shutdown, Coast Guard members can get two pints for $1.00 Grandamorybrewing.com. 17 S 2nd St. Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 414-7822

Grand Finale Desserts and Pastries

Members of the Military and Coast Guard can stop in and get a free donut for themselves and their family until the end of the shutdown. Gfdessers.com. 225 Franklin Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 414-9555

The Paisley Pig Gastropub

For the duration of the government shutdown, members of the Army and Coast Guard—along with their immediate family—can get free pizza and kid’s meals. Paisleypigpub.com501 Miller Dr.Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 607-7563

Small Town Sandwich Shop

Any active Coast Guard members can come in during regular business hours and get a free sandwich for as long as the shutdown lasts. 909 W Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456. (616) 414-7900

Southtown Auto Wash Inc.

From January 19th-26th, any U.S. Coast Guard members will receive $15 for gas. Southtowncarwash.com832 Robins Rd. Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 846-0847