CAE hosts donation drive supporting TSA & CBP agents during partial government shutdown, here’s how you can help
March 19, 2026
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will be collecting nonperishable food provisions, personal care items, household supplies, as well as noncash equivalent gift cards – for use at specific retailers, gas stations or restaurants – in support of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at their airport.
“We’re incredibly thankful to our dedicated TSA and CBP agents who show up to work every day despite the partial government shutdown,” said Chris White, President & CEO of CAE. “During this time, our TSA and CBP agents, like those across the country, are not receiving paychecks and for anyone that would make day-to-day living challenging. In hosting this donation drive, our team members and local community can show their support to the agents and thank for them for their commitment to the airport and its passengers during this difficult time”.
Community members and passengers interested in donating to the cause are encouraged to drop off supplies inside the terminal at the Information Desk in the main lobby or at Valet Booth across from the main entrance. Both locations will have marked bins where items should be placed.
Collection times:
- Information Desk: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Valet Booth: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Currently, CAE does not have an end date for the donation drive. The airport will continue to monitor the partial government shutdown and adjust accordingly. Every donation will go directly to a CAE TSA or CBP agent. CAE encourages both travelers and non-travelers to join in the effort to support its TSA and CBP agents. Even the smallest donation matters.
About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Now providing 33+ daily flights with nonstop service to 11 major airports in 10 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National), Orlando (SFB), Fort Lauderdale, and Newark. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a two-time Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Proudly welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2025, CAE is served by American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, and serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS and served by cargo carrier, FedEx.
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