Contractor service employees at NASA Goddard, including cafeteria and custodial staff, have been hit hard by the recent government shutdown in October and November 2025. Many contractors lost weeks of pay, and unemployment only covered some of their expenses. These are the people who keep our buildings running, serve our meals, and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone at Goddard. Now, as the holiday season approaches, they are facing urgent needs—rent, groceries, and other essentials are at risk.

We are a group of contractors and civil servants at NASA Goddard working closely with the Melwood and ILC supervisors, who will ensure the funds go to the appropriate staff. All proceeds go directly the contractors working for those organizations.

Update #1: The supervisors have provided the list of affected employees for the three ILC cafeteria sites, and Melwood (custodial services) employees at several buildings.

Update #2: Preliminary funds are being distributed to the recipients as of 11/25/25. Thank you very much for your support.

Update #3: Our goal is in sight! Thank you to everyone. We've received several extremely kind thank-you notes from the recipients. We will distribute the remaining funds in January.