(ERIE, P.A. - WICU/WSEE/CW) – Close to 130 employees and their families made their way out to the church on Friday night. 


            In addition to the meal, the church raffled off donated items like gift cards, to toiletries and food.

According to Pastor Rebecca Taylor, roughly 14 volunteers worked throughout the day to help serve food and set up. A number she says is not abnormal.

 “This is one of the most giving, most supportive communities.” Taylor said

While the meal was appreciated, employees told us, they just can't wait to get back to work and to be paid.

Corrections Officer at the Federal Correctional Institute in McKean William Skinner told us he and several other correctional employees worked double shifts during the shutdown.

He told us, at-home situations varied among his fellow employees, with some holding off on shopping for Christmas gifts to try and save money.

Now, even with back pay on its way, Skinner feels uncertain about the stability of the temporary re-opening of the government.

"Should we get these paychecks, and really what do we do, do we start planning for the next shut down here in three weeks?" Skinner said

Skinner’s sentiment was shared by Operations Officer at Allegheny National Forest Bob Monroe.

"As you can imagine, I mean we've been shut down for about 34, 35 days and now we're looking at, fingers crossed it doesn't happen again." said Monroe

Monroe told us he and a few other officers worked through the shutdown, but he did have several employees who have not worked since December.

Both Skinner and Monroe said it was crucial for federal workers to have each other’s backs through the 35-day shutdown.  

Workers told us they are currently on standby through the weekend, with some returning to work on Monday and/or Tuesday.