GoFundMe launches its own fundraiser to help federal workers who aren't getting paid

GoFundMe has launched a fundraiser on its platform to help the 800,000 federal workers who aren't getting paid during the partial government shutdown.

The organization has partnered with Deepak Chopra to create a relief fund for workers who've been either furloughed or have been required to continue working without pay for the past month. Chopra is an Indian-born American author and alternative medicine advocate.

"Government workers, through no fault of their own, can't afford to put diapers on their newborns," GoFundMe CEO Rob Solomon wrote in news release on the website. "Employees of the most powerful nation in the world are being forced to work without pay and line up at diaper or food banks. It makes no sense."

GoFundMe and Chopra kick-started the "Government Shutdown Direct Relief Fund" with donations of $10,000 each. The campaign's goal is set at $200,000.

Lebanese billionaire Ayman Hariri also donated $10,000, according to the site's list of donors.

Where will the money go?

The donations will be given directly to nonprofits that are assisting federal employees with food, counseling, housing support, and other needs.

The fund will provide support to the National Diaper Bank Network, which is helping supply diapers to parents who are affected by the shutdown.

Some of the money will also be given to the World Central Kitchen, which has been providing meals to workers in Washington D.C.

A full list of the recipients is expected to be released in the coming days, according to the website.

What else did GoFundMe say?

They are honest, hard working Americans serving our country. They are showing up to work protecting our coastal waters and keeping our airports and skies safe, among other important duties as civil servants and contractors, the fundraiser reads.

They put in a full day, and when they come home they have to figure out how to pay rent, put food on the table, or afford diapers for their newborn.

We all read these stories and feel helpless. We are stuck because we don't know what to do.

We want to provide a place for people to take action and help someone in need, because, together, we have power to make a difference and provide critical short-term relief.

Our country's civil servants shouldn't have to stand in a line at a food pantry, wonder where their next meal is coming from, or wonder if they have enough diapers to make it through the night with their newborn.

How much has been raised?

More than $170,000 had been raised by Tuesday morning since the page was launched over the weekend.