LAS VEGAS/KTNV — Big pies. Bigger hearts.
"We want to make sure we're doing our part to help these people," said Corey Horan, general manager at Evel Pie, the popular pizza joint in Downtown Las Vegas.
The people behind the pizza at Evel Pie are doing their part by offering a free slice of pizza and soft drink to the more than 3,000 Nevadans who are either furloughed or working without pay today and accepting donated items through Wednesday.
"Since we're successful, we have to share the love," said Horan. "We have to share the wealth."
And sharing the wealth means taking an estimated 10% hit on the day's profits, according to Horan. Something he says is a no brainer.
"Our guests, everyone in this community makes us successful. We have to give back when we have the opportunity," said Horan.
And today, Erik Guenther, an assistant federal public defender who's deemed an essential government employee, took Evel Pie up on its offer of free lunch.
"It's a difficult thing to ask of anyone to, you know, work without pay and without much notice," said Guenther.
Guenther says he appreciates what Evel Pie is doing for the furloughed employees during what is a difficult time for many people who just want to be able to do their job and serve the public.
"It's easy to kind of feel forgotten, so it's a very nice gesture and I appreciate Evel Pie doing that to recognize that you know we're not forgotten while this is going on," he said.
Today through Wednesday, Evel Pie will be collecting donations to distribute to locals directly impacted by the government shutdown.
They are accepting: dry goods, canned goods, non-perishable food items, baby food, dog and cat food, diapers, feminine products, water, toilet paper, toiletries, and grocery store gift cards.
