Once again, the generosity of Western New Yorkers has come to the forefront as a steady stream of people came to Buffalo Niagara International Airport to drop off gift cards for TSA workers, who haven't been paid since Feb. 14.
That's what brought travel agency Karen DuVal to the airport.
"If you work, you should get paid," DuVal said.
The day-long March 24 event, sponsored by the NFTA who operates the airport, has brought out more people than expected, said Helen Tederous, NFTA director of public affairs.
"In a way, it is not surprising at all,:" Tederous said.
The NFTA decided to run the gift card donation event as a show of support for the TSA workers who man pre-boarding security clearance at Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
"We have a great working relationship with them," Tederous said.
Most were dropping gift cards from Wegmans and Tops.
"I'm just happy to do what I can to help them," said Christopher Golasso, who dropped off Tops gift cards.
The TSA workers haven't been paid because of a partial government shutdown that centers on funding for ICE and immigration services.
The support shown Tuesday is a snapshot of how Western New Yorkers step up to help the needy.
"This is one thing, helping the TSA workers, that everyone agrees on," Tederous said.
