Several organizations, restaurants and businesses are offering things like free meals and support to the hundreds of Colorado employees on furlough due to the partial government shutdown.
Their support comes as the country is in the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
Many Colorado workers have filed for unemployment and are struggling to make ends meet.
(Are you a business or organization offering freebies to furloughed employees? Tell us about it by filling out the form at the bottom of this article. Please note that only those offering free items will be included.)
Below is a list of organizations and what they're offering to assist furloughed workers:
Museums and Theaters
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, 80205
303-370-6000
Through the end of January, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is offering free general admission to all federal employees impacted by the furlough when they show their government ID in person at the museum.
"Not having a paycheck, not being able to go to work... the uncertainty of that is stressful," said spokeswoman Maura O'Neal. "And we hope that we are an opportunity to give people a respite from that. Come in, make some great memories, have a great time."
Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, 80204
720-865-5000
The Denver Art Museum is offering free general admission to all furloughed federal government employees plus one guest through Jan. 31, 2019. "Dior: From Paris to the World" is not included in general admission and requires a separate ticket.
Denver Firefighters Museum
1326 Tremont Pl., Denver, 80204
Free admission for furloughed government workers with a valid federal ID.
Colorado Symphony
1000 14th St., #15 Denver, 80202 (at the Denver Performing Arts Complex)
The Colorado Symphony is offering two free tickets* to all federal employees impacted by the furlough. Choose from the Mendelssohn Double Concerto or the Classical Romance concerts.
To reserve tickets, present a valid government ID at the Colorado Symphony Box Office. Hours are Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
*Limit two complimentary tickets per ID. Some restrictions apply. Valid while supplies last and/or through 2/17/19.
Grafenberg Theater
1223 21st St., Denver, 80205
303-803-8894
With proof of employment, any federal employee is allowed to see any of our shows for free. For more information email Justin@grafenbergproductions.com.
History Colorado
1200 N. Broadway, Denver, 80203
The History Colorado Center is offering free general admission to all federal employees impacted by the furlough and one guest when they show their government ID in person at the museum through the end of January.
El Pueblo History Museum
301 N. Union Ave., Pueblo, 81003
El Pueblo History Museum is offering free general admission to all federal employees impacted by the furlough and one guest when they show their government ID in person at the museum through the end of January.
Ute Indian Museum
17253 Chipeta Rd., Montrose, 81403
970-249-3098
The Ute Indian Museum is offering free general admission to all federal employees impacted by the furlough and one guest when they show their government ID in person at the museum through the end of January.
Trinidad History Museum
312 E Main St., Trinidad, 81082
719-846-7217
Clyfford Still Museum
1250 Bannock St., Denver, 80204
720-354-4880
Free general admission to all furloughed federal government employees plus one guest. Furloughed employees should show their federal ID at the museum welcome desk.
Augustana Arts
Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver, 80246
Free ticket to Vida Guitart Quartet concert on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Use code FFE2019.
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, 80403
Throughout the month of January, the Colorado Railroad Museum will be offering free general admission to all federal employees and their immediate family members due to the current government shutdown. To receive free admission, employees must present a valid government issued identification at the dmission desk.
Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
1600 Range St., Suite 200, Boulder, 80301
303-449-1343
The Boulder Phil is offering two free tickets for its Jan. 19, Jan. 20 and Feb. 9 concerts to all federal employees affected by the government shutdown. Call to reserve.
*Some restrictions apply. Based on availability.
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
1201 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204
303-832-8576
Free general admission to all furloughed federal government employees plus one guest. Furloughed employees should show their federal ID at the museum welcome desk. Offer lasts through Jan. 31 or until the shutdown ends, whichever occurs first.
Restaurants
Antonio's Real New York Pizza
970-586-7275
Free meals for federal workers who are without pay and have a valid ID.
Aperitivo
5530 Spine Rd., Boulder, CO 80301
303-530-1326
The restaurant will provide a complimentary meal for any furloughed government employee/contractor and family, each up to a family of 4, we will provide a family meal per week per as long as the political shutdown continues. Please make a reservation 303-530-1326 for seating.
"B" Sweet Cupcakes
425 E. 4th St., Loveland, 80537
970-430-7073
The store is offering a free mini cupcake or cookie for furloughed employees with a ID card. The limit is one offer per day.
The Black Steer
436 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, 80537
970-667-6679
The Black Steer of Loveland is offering a free lunch to furloughed federal employees. This offer includes immediate family members; must have valid federal employee ID. Offer good daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Cow An Eatery
316 Bear Creek Ave., Morrison, 80465
303-697-5721
One free non alcoholic beverage and one free entree with proof of federal ID.
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
720 Arapahoe St., Golden, 80401
303-278-4644
El Dorado will serve any federal employee affected by the government shutdown with a complimentary burrito and choice of soft drink for free, with a valid ID.
Fazoli’s
Multiple locations
Participating Fazoli’s locations are doing what they can do to help. Starting today, Jan. 7, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 13, Fazoli’s invites all furloughed federal government employees with a valid ID to come in for free pizza baked spaghetti with the purchase of a drink. The offer is valid at only participating locations, so call ahead.
Casa Caliente
8800 S. Colorado Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80129
720-379-7968
Free meal for federal workers and their families who are going without pay during the government shutdown. This offer applies to federal employees, spouses and their children for the duration of the shut down. Must present a valid government work ID.
The Crafty Fox Taphouse & Pizzeria
3901 Fox Street, Denver, 80216
303-455-9666
Between now and the end of the day Wednesday, Jan. 16, Crafty Fox will give a free meal to those furloughed federal workers who show their employment ID. The meal consists of a 10-inch pepperoni pizza and soda, with a limit of one meal per employee.
"Our customers aren't just our customers," said owner Angelique Moyer. "They are our friends and our neighbors."
Curry N Kebob
3050 28th St., Boulder, 80301
Free meals to furloughed employees with federal ID.
Lucha Cantina
8026 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, 80123
606 6th St., Georgetown 80444
Lucha Cantina in Littleton and Georgetown will serve any adult with a government ID, and their children, complimentary meals from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day until the government re-opens.
Mint & Serif Coffee House
11500 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, 80215
720-509-9908
Free drip coffee for furloughed federal employees with valid government ID. One coffee per day as long as the government shutdown continues.
Modern Market Eatery
Multiple locations
Present your federal government ID every Friday through Sunday until the shutdown ends from 5 p.m. to close to receive a complimentary grain bowl on us. Excludes airport and university locations.
Nick’s Italian
1100 S. College Ave., Fort Collins
970-631-8301
On Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 5-9 p.m., any family experiencing a hardship due to the federal government shutdown is welcome. Please call ahead for a reservation.
Papa John's Pizza (Brighton)
126 W. Bridge St., Brighton, 80601
303-659-9000
Papa John's Pizza is offering a free meal to any government employee's family impacted by the shutdown. Meal includes two 1-topping pizzas and a 2-liter. Patrons must present government ID upon pick up.
Poor Richard's Restaurant
324 1/2 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, 80903
719-578-5549
Government employees can get a free meal for themselves and their families with a valid ID.
Ragin' Hog BBQ
4361 Lowell Blvd., Denver, 80211
Free pork or chopped beef sandwich combo with a federal I.D. for all furloughed or unpaid federal workers.
Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel
7007 S. Clinton St., Greenwood Village, 80112
303-799-6200
Now through Jan. 31, offering a free flatbread pizza or Sheraton house salad with the purchase of a beverage. Patrons must show their federal government I.D. during lunch and dinner hours, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sushi-Rama
2615 Larimer St., Denver, 80205
10012 Commons St., Bldg C, Unit 106, Lone Tree, 80124
4960 S. Newport St., Denver, 80237
Sushi-Rama offering a free lunch to all Colorado furloughed employees affected by the government shutdown. Offer valid for those with valid federal ID Monday, Jan. 14 to Friday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Gratuity is not included. Not valid with any other offer.
Food Banks
Food Bank of the Rockies
10700 E. 45th Ave., Denver, 80239
Food Bank of the Rockies will be adding three additional mobile pantries to their list in the next few days. The three extra days are in addition to their existing mobile food bank dates, and were added in anticipation of more people needing assistance due to the shutdown. However, you do NOT need to be a federal employee on furlough to receive help. You do not need to show a government ID.
Colorado Pet Pantry
Multiple locations
303-818-0618
The Colorado Pet Pantry is a pet food bank that offers food and supplies and is always free and open to the public.
Furloughed workers can pick up pet supplies and food at any of its upcoming events. Click/tap here to view the calendar.
Action Center
8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, 80215
303-237-7704
The Action Center provides year-round assistance to residents of Jefferson County or those experiencing homelessness. Services include food, clothing, rental and utility assistance, as well as other support services that may help maintain stability."
Have a Heart Project
3455 W. 72nd Ave., Westminster, 80030
Have a Heart has food and clothing for government employees not getting paid. Open Saturday, Jan. 26th from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Misc.
Rep. Ed Perlmutter
12600 West Colfax Avenue, Suite B-400, Lakewood, 80215
303-274-7944
U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Golden) of Colorado said his district office in Lakewood would begin to offer breakfast and lunch meals, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for his constituents affected by the shutdown.
He said his staff will also be on hand and able to answer any questions people may have.
Flex Yoga + Barre
2736 Welton St #200, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 386-3897
Flex Yoga + Barre is offering free classes to all furloughed federal government employees during the government shutdown.
Mile High Flea Market
7007 E. 88th Ave., Henderson, 80640
303-289-4656
Free selling space to furloughed government employees due to the shutdown. Click/tap here to view the offer details on the Mile High Flea Market's Facebook page.
Planned Pethood Plus Inc.
4595 N. Harlan St., Wheat Ridge, 80033
303-433-3291
Planned Pethood Plus is a veterinary clinic that is offering free exams for pets whose owners are federal workers affected by the shutdown.
SECORCares
16965 Pine Lane, Suite 100, Parker, 80134
Free food market serving residents of Douglas, Arapahoe and Elbert Counties. Furloughed employees can shop our free food market.
Urban Escape Day Spa
1299 Washington Ave., Golden, 80401
303-278-1709
Monday through Thursday, the first furloughed government employee to call gets a free massage or facial. Gratuity included. This offer will continue for the duration of the shutdown.
Windsong Holistic Health Inc.
3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Building D, Suite 160, Lakewood, 80227
720-507-4956
Free 1-hour acupuncture treatment. Please book online.
The Willow Room Hair Studio
1223 S. Pearl St., Denver, 80210
720-570-2583
Free haircuts to furloughed employees due to the shutdown; appointment-only. Must show government ID and zero-balance paycheck at appointment.
Are you a business or organization offering freebies to furloughed employees? Tell us about it by filling out the form below.