As the holiday season reaches full swing, park rangers serving U.S. national parks are struggling to get into the festive spirit. Two weeks after the longest government shutdown in America's history ended, many national park rangers are still waiting for their promised back pay.

National parks were affected in many ways during the 43-day shutdown, as employees were furloughed and services limited. The staff and communities were stretched to their limits. Despite all that has been asked of them, people are still volunteering to help struggling park rangers this holiday season.

Instagrammer Sandra Ramos, known by her handle @nationalparkpatchlady, created an "Adopt-A-Ranger" program, which matches needy park rangers to volunteers through the sign-up form .

Here's a closer look at the on

See Full Page