Furloughed FDA workers volunteering their time

SHORELINE, Wash -- The government shutdown isn't stopping a group of federal employees from working.

Employees at the Food and Drug Administration in Bothell are dedicating their time off to volunteer at Food Lifeline's Shoreline warehouse on Tuesday.

They will be spending time at the volunteer repack center, preparing food for distribution throughout Western Washington. Organizers say the employees have chosen to volunteer so they can direct their energy toward something positive, continuing the spirit of public service that is part of their everyday lives.

Forty-five percent of the agency's more than 14,000 employees are furloughed until congress can reach an agreement on a spending bill.