WINDSOR LOCKS, CT (WGGB/WSHM) - It’s been a long last several weeks for TSA workers, as they have not received a paycheck for the last several weeks because of a partial government shutdown. Now, members of the community and travelers are stepping up to make sure TSA employees at Bradley International Airport are taken care of.

This is the kind of story that makes you smile and warms your heart. We usually hear about monetary donations and clothing drives for lots of things. But how about a gift card drive?

Well, starting Friday, that is what is taking place at Bradley to give TSA employees some assistance. Let me tell you, this is kindness at its finest. The airport announced that they launched this initiative to support the Transportation Security Administration officers who work here and have continued to do so despite not being paid for the last several weeks.

I can tell you it is not just travelers who have dropped gift cards off. One airport employee told us some people actually stopped by the airport, went through security, dropped off gift cards and then left. That just tells you how kind people have been and how long of a way it can go.

Western mass news spoke with Dr. Teguo Djoyum, a Hartford resident flying to Denver, he didn’t hear about this effort until we brought it up to him.

He wanted to help immediately, saying this a call for all people who care and that this is a chance for everyone to come together, “this is the moment where we show the world the power of a nation, of a city, of a country is the community. There could be structures of government that governs, but the power is really the community. And if a community can mobilize together, the things that they can do are just unimaginable.”

Dr. Djoyum said he had $20 on him before he went through the security checkpoint. After we spoke with him, he went to a McDonald’s, used that money to purchase a gift card, and then put it in the spot where the cards are being collected. A true act of decency and kindness he has displayed, along with others so far today.

Gift cards must be at least $20 and will be distributed to officers by local TSA management at Bradley, cards with American Express, Visa and MasterCard cannot be accepted, and officers can use these cards for basic everyday items for places like gas stations, common retailers and grocery stores.

As far as we know, this drive will remain active for the next several days, with the drop-off location being past security across from the A1 Checkpoint.

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