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Here's where federal workers can get freebies or discounts in metro Detroit during shutdown

Posted at 11:21 AM, Jan 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-25 14:46:21-05

(WXYZ) — As the partial government shutdown continues, there are several places around metro Detroit and around the country that are offering freebies or discounts to those federal workers who are furloughed due to the shutdown.

Free gas cards at Wixom station

A Marathon gas station in Wixom is giving out $40 gas cards to federal employees impacted by the government shutdown.

The announcement was made on Facebook by Congresswoman Haley Stevens on behalf of the gas station's owner Eddie Osman.

All federal employees who are working without a paycheck or on furlough can receive a $40 gas card to fill their tank, the post states. All you have to do is bring your federal ID and work status identification to the gas station address at 29330 Wixom Road.

Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is offering federal employees free admission into the museum until the end of the government shutdown.

All federal employees that live outside of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties will get free entry when they show government identification.

Admission is always free for tri-county residents. The offer lasts until the government shutdown ends.

Beaumont waiving co-pays, deductibles

Beaumont Health announced it will waive emergency center and urgent care copays and deductibles for federal workers who have been furloughed or are working without pay. It also applies to their insured family members during the partial shutdown, and it will remain in effect until the government reopens.

It will be retroactive to midnight on Saturday, Dec. 22.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is offering free fun to Michigan families affected by the government shutdown.

Federal government employees who are furloughed or currently without pay and up to three family members are eligible for one free 60-minute jump per day at Sky Zone Canton and Shelby Township, according to the park.

The offer is valid every Tuesday through Thursday until Jan. 31.

A spokesperson says "while the brand can't put an end to the shutdown, Sky Zone can help provide some much-needed fun at this challenging time."

Employees must present valid government identification to enjoy the offer.

Free sandwich at Clarkston sandwich shop

Planet Sub in Clarkston is offering one complimentary half sub to furloughed employees, one per customer. Those interested must show valid government photo ID. The offer is available every Monday and Tuesday until the government reopens.

Free food for federal workers at DTW and Willow Run

The Wayne County Airport Authority is giving DTW and Willow Run airport workers free food up to $20 each day during the shutdown. Federal employees can visit a DTW location of their choice and purchase a meal, snacks and beverages, and restaurants or retailers that sell food and beverages are participating.

On top of that, they are also working with Paradise Lagardere Dining Division, Delta and Forgotten Harvest to host a food drive on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019 at Nomads in Romulus.

Free mac & cheese at Union Joints

Union Joints is offering free mac and cheese meals on Mondays only to federal employees and a guest. The employee must show a government ID to receive the deal.

Union Joints locations include: The Clarkston Union , Union General , Union Woodshop , Vinsetta Garage , Fenton Fire Hall , Pumphouse and Honcho.

Ferndale restaurant offering free meals

The Blue Nile Ethiopian restaurant is offering free meals to 14 furloughed federal government workers per day. Owners of the Blue Nile say the meals are first come, first serve.

To make a reservation, send a private message with your name and phone number to the Blue Nile on their Facebook page.

Upon receipt, someone will contact back with a discreet message to guarantee privacy upon arrival.

Free Eastern Michigan University athletics tickets

Eastern Michigan is giving free tickets to furloughed government workers beginning Tuesday night when the Eastern Men's Basketball team takes on Bowling green. You can get your ticket at the EMU Athletics Ticket Office.

Free tickets to Harlem Globetrotters

The team is offering free tickets to all U.S. government employees who are not being paid because of the government shutdown.

Furloughed workers need to show their valid government ID at the box office to receive two complimentary tickets to any game in North America.

The offer is valid as long as the government shutdown lasts.

Free lunch from Jan. 23-25

Chef Maxcel Hardy, owner of River Bistro and Coop in Detroit, will offer free Caribbean Curry Chicken over Rice meal to furloughed workers at his restaurant on Detroit's west side from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, Thursday, Jan. 24 and Friday, Jan. 25.

Free large pizza and two liter pop in Livonia

Jimmy's Pizzaria, 27609 Plymouth Road in Livonia, is offering government employees a large pizza and two liter pop at no cost for as long as the shutdown is in effect. The deal is only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Free meals, gas cards and grocery cards from Michigan Muslim Council

The Michigan Muslim Community Council is providing dinners, grocery vouchers and gas cards to all federal workers going unpaid during the shutdown.

Participating restaurants who will provide lunch or dinner exclusively on Friday, January 25, 2019 are below:

  • Damas Restaurant - (248) 987-4609
  • Sultans Restaurant - (517)333-4444
  • Malek AlKabob - (313) 203-2067
  • Royal Kabob - (313)872-9456
  • Paradise Subs (Carry-Out Only) - (313)724-6663
  • Brome Modern Eatery (Downtown Location/ Dinner Only) (313)403-1200
  • Al-Ameer Restaurant - (313)582-8185
  • Habibs Cuisine - (313) 584-1515 Lunch Only
  • Grape Leaves Restaurant - (248) 359-0000
  • Hot Bites Restaurant - (313) 581-7071
  • Wing Finger Restaurant - (313) 438-0388
  • Super Greenland Supermarket - (313) 584-5445
  • Leo's Coney Island - (313) 253-0200
  • AlBasha Subs - (313) 846-9684
  • La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Fifteen participating locations - (248) 539-5900
  • Big Boy Restaurants - (313) 291-7700