UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — What began as a fundraising event turned into a show of solidarity Friday night, as community members in Prince George’s County gathered to support furloughed federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

With music, food and messages of encouragement, residents came together to prove that community care doesn’t stop when paychecks do.

“We’re going to let our hair down and we’re going to party because this is a party with a purpose,” said Mia Weems, a furloughed federal employee who has worked for the government for more than 20 years.

Weems said the uncertainty of the shutdown has weighed heavily on her and many others.

“It’s the fear of the unknown,” she said. “It doesn’t seem like there’s a true end in sight... and this shutdown feels different.”

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