MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As federal employees continue to work without paychecks during the government shutdown, the team at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is stepping up.

The team at MKE has placed collection barrels in the airport. These barrels allow employees and the public to donate essential items such as non-perishable food and personal care products for employees who may be in need.

“I call on federal officials to work together to reopen the government before residents and families continue to pay the price,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a Facebook post about the barrels. “Affected federal agencies, including the TSA and FAA, play a vital role in ensuring a positive travel experience at our hometown airport."

Employees at the airport say there are two barrels where people can donate. One is located in the pre-security section in the main terminal, and another barrel is in a spot dedicated for current employees.

On Monday, passengers flying out of the airport said they were on board with a way to help people during the shutdown.

“There should be a mechanism where they get paid, right?” said Ellen Schlicher, a passenger. “I think it’s sad they’re not getting paid. I just think that maybe they should go for a balanced budget so they don’t have to go through this every year.”

“I feel like the TSA agents are on the line and it’s not fair.” said Barbara Joose, a passenger. “It’s absolutely unfair. Here all our representatives in Congress, who are getting paid. That’s not right. “It’s very frustrating because we’re all doing that. We’re all helping each other. But the government is not helping us as they should be.”

A spokesperson with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s office said efforts like this may continue as the shutdown goes on.