Press Releases

South Bend International Airport Collecting Donations for TSA Employees

March 20, 2026

Press Release

South Bend, IN. – South Bend International Airport (SBN) is collecting donations for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown. Items can be dropped off at the Airport Information office daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Airport Information is located near baggage claim across from the gift shop.

The most needed items are:

Gas cards to specific gas stations such as Speedway, Meijer, or Kroger. Gas cards must be in $10 denominations and cannot be VISA, Mastercard, or American Express.
Laundry soap
Feminine hygiene products
Deodorant
Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner
Shaving supplies
Lotion
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash
Liquid hand soap
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Facial tissues

“TSA officers provide a critical service to ensure safe air travel for all,” said Mike Daigle, CEO and executive director of South Bend International Airport. “We want to provide a way for airport employees, tenants, and the general public to help ease the burden of the essential workers managing household expenses while reporting to work again without pay. This drive is one small way we can express our gratitude and appreciation of their commitment to showing up and keeping travelers moving from SBN. As a result, we do not have the lines that larger airports are seeing.”

Collection will last the duration of the shutdown.

About South Bend International Airport
South Bend International Airport’s five air carriers provide nonstop flights to sixteen destinations: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Orlando, Punta Gorda, Phoenix/Mesa, Sanford, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, and Washington, D.C. with connections world-wide. South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over 1.5 million air and rail passengers each year.
For additional information, please refer to www.FlySBN.com or get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Instagram (@SBNairport), LinkedIn (@South Bend International Airport) or X (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the South Bend region.