As a Washington, D.C. showdown over immigration enforcement halts Department of Homeland Security funding, thousands of federal airport security screeners will miss their first paychecks this week just as the annual spring break begins in the U.S. and airline travel surges.

Denver International Airport officials are asking the public and airport employees to donate grocery store and fuel gift cards in denominations of $10 or $20 to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, who continue to work without pay during the partial federal government shutdown.

The shutdown began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the DHS. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration enforcement operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

“Once again, DEN’s federal employees are working tirelessly to ensure our airport operates efficiently and safely without getting paid,” Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said in a statement. “TSA employees just missed their first paycheck, and as we enter a busy spring break travel period, we want to do what we can to ease the stress of this moment.” 

More than 1.3 million passengers will travel through DIA’s security checkpoints from March 11 through March 29, according to DIA officials.

TSA lines at DIA on Thursday afternoon appeared to move quickly, with the airport posting security wait times from zero to 10 minutes. 

Traveler Michael Williams told The Denver Gazette that the lines to check in at the ticket counter were far more “aggravating” than those to get through DIA’s security screening.

“But spring break just started, right?” he said.

The airport anticipates the busiest travel days in Denver will be March 20 and March 22.

“That’s kinda cool and sad at the same time,” said Ft. Lauderdale traveler Lauren Angelini of the airport’s call for gift cards. “I had no idea. The airport should put the donation boxes on the concourses, too.”

Some travelers suggested that cash or payment-app donations could be more beneficial, helping affected employees cover expenses like rent and car payments.

“Donated gift cards can be from stores like King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, and Target,” the airport said in a statement. “Ideal gift cards include those stores that sell both gas and food. Denominations should be in $10 or $20 gift cards only. Visa gift cards cannot be accepted.”

“Federal employees cannot accept donations directly. However, specific gift card donations up to a certain amount are allowable during the shutdown,” a DIA spokesperson told The Denver Gazette. “This is why we are seeking gift cards for gas or groceries only in denominations of $10 or $20.”

Collection bins and secure lock boxes are located in the Great Hall of the Jeppeson Terminal and the Final Approach Cell Phone Lot from now until the shutdown ends.

Across the country, travelers have reported screening delays of more than three hours as TSA staffing levels struggle to keep up with traveler demand.

At William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, passengers were told to arrive four to five hours before their flights to ensure they could get through the TSA screening process on time.

A statement from Houston airport officials on Tuesday said the airport and airlines were working closely with TSA “to monitor checkpoint capacity in real time, adjust passenger flow and provide on-site customer service support.”

Passengers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport had a similarly frustrating experience, arriving at least three hours before their flights and waiting up to two hours to go through security. The airport reminded passengers of the long wait times on Monday morning.

To avoid surprises, DIA officials suggest travelers check TSA security wait times at FlyDenver.com/security and arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their boarding time to ensure adequate time to check bags, clear security and arrive at their gate. 

Security wait times can change quickly and there is the potential for longer lines, especially during peak times, which are 3-4:30 a.m., 8-10 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.

“Spring break is one of the busiest travel times of the year,” Adam Stahl, the TSA senior official performing the duties of the administrator, said in a statement to the media. “While we are focused on spring break, which is quickly approaching, TSA is also closely tracking and preparing for the summer travel season.” 

The longer TSA officers have to work without pay during the partial shutdown, the more likely it is that some will miss work as they take on second jobs to pay for necessities, such as gas and child care and other bills. Many may still be rebuilding finances after the 43-day shutdown last fall, the longest in history.

Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA union’s bargaining unit, said workers will miss their first full paychecks this weekend since the shutdown began Feb. 14. He said morale among the workforce “has taken a severe hit.”

“Over the last 15 months, TSA officers have went through three government shutdowns,” he told The Associated Press.

Jones, who also works as a TSA agent, said it took months for him to financially recover from the 43-day shutdown.

“I refilled my water buckets and now I’m starting to empty them again. Some people were not so fortunate to be able to refill their water buckets,” he said.

The Associated Press and The Washington Examiner contributed to this story.