Group collects donations for Scott AFB service members who may not get paid

With the possibility of active-duty military members missing a paycheck on Wednesday because of the federal government shutdown, a metro-east civic group is organizing a donation drive to help support those at Scott Air Force Base.

Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is collecting materials that will be distributed to families at Scott Air Force Base, according to Kyle Anderson, executive director and CEO of the council.

The public can assist the effort in two ways:

• Bring items to donate to the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois office at 104 Magnolia Drive, Suite B in Glen Carbon on Monday. Items requested include: Baby formula, diapers, non-perishable food, hygiene products and gasoline cards.

• Write a check to the Southwestern Illinois Development Foundation, which is a nonprofit, charitable organization. Mail the check to the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois office listed above and put Scott Air Force Base in the memo line.

The goods collected are expected to be brought to the base Monday night, Anderson said.

Anderson said the Leadership Council has already distributed 200 Currency of Caring tokens to the Scott Air Force Base chaplain. This program, which was started by Soulcial Kitchen in Swansea, allows military families to enjoy a free meal at participating restaurants.

For more information, you can reach the council at 618-692-9745.

The metro-east and St. Louis area is the current holder of the Abilene Trophy, which is presented annually by the Abilene, Texas, Chamber of Commerce to regions that show support for an Air Force base in their communty. This is the fourth time that Scott Air Force Base boosters have won this national award, according to Anderson.

Reuters reports that if legislation is not approved by Monday to pay members of the military, there would not be enough time to make the payroll deadline of Wednesday.

President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a plan that would shift available funds to pay military members if Congress doesn’t approve funding, according to Politico.

USA Today has reported that the military members were last paid on Sept. 30, the day before the government shutdown began.