Triangle EPA employees volunteer during shutdown

Sunday marked day 23 of the partial government shutdown, but a group of North Carolina federal workers are using their down time to help others.

"We have a long tradition of volunteering during the government shutdown and we're pleased to be able to continue to work in the communities during this difficult time," said Jenny Nooman.

Nooman and Kristen Bremer both work for the Environmental Protection Agency. Since they've been furloughed during the shutdown, they decided to use their time volunteering around the Triangle.

"We started actually last week on Thursday at the scrap exchange here in Durham, then on Friday we went to the Food Bank here in Durham," Bremer said.

They also helped at The Ronald McDonald house, the North Carolina Diaper Bank, and now, with Habitat for Humanity.

"We've had wonderful turnout from our colleagues," Nooman said.

"I think, really, we're public servants when it comes right down to it and we want to serve. So, giving back to our communities is first and foremost for us," Bremer said.

And by sticking together during this difficult time, they will continue to help the community in any way that they can.