Lexington Priest Donates $5,000 in Gift Cards to TSA Workers

The gift cards are meant to assist local airport employees impacted by the federal government shutdown.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of an airport security checkpoint, with soft pools of warm yellow, orange, and blue light creating a dreamlike, atmospheric quality that conceptually represents the kindness and community support for federal workers during difficult times.A Lexington priest's gift of $5,000 in gift cards offers a heartwarming gesture of support for TSA workers impacted by the federal government shutdown.Lexington Today

Father Jim Sichko, a Lexington priest and papal missionary, donated $5,000 in restaurant and Amazon gift cards to TSA workers at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. Sichko was able to raise over $20,000 in just 24 hours to purchase gift cards for TSA employees across the nation, and plans to continue his initiative in other cities like Chicago, Atlanta, California, and Louisville.

Why it matters

The federal government shutdown has impacted many federal workers, including TSA employees who have continued to work without pay. Sichko's gesture of kindness and support for these workers highlights the community's appreciation for their service.

The details

On Saturday, Father Jim Sichko handed out the $5,000 in gift cards to TSA workers at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. Sichko said his whole philosophy was to show kindness and mercy to the TSA employees who show up for the community without getting paid.

  • On Saturday, Sichko handed out the gift cards to TSA workers at the Blue Grass Airport.

The players

Father Jim Sichko

A Lexington priest and papal missionary who donated $5,000 in gift cards to TSA workers at the Blue Grass Airport.

Blue Grass Airport

The airport in Lexington, Kentucky where Sichko distributed the gift cards to TSA employees.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My whole philosophy was, here are people who show up for us without getting paid. So, why don't we show up and show kindness and mercy.”

— Father Jim Sichko, Priest

What’s next

Sichko plans to take his initiative to assist TSA workers nationally, with plans to distribute gift cards in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, California, and Louisville.

The takeaway

This act of generosity by a local faith leader demonstrates the community's appreciation for federal workers impacted by the government shutdown, and highlights the power of small acts of kindness to make a meaningful difference.