Western New Yorkers Donate $21,000 in Gift Cards to Local TSA Workers

The NFTA collected the donations to support TSA agents during the partial government shutdown.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:04am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone TSA agent standing in an empty airport terminal, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying the somber mood of federal workers impacted by the government shutdown.The gift card donations from the local community provided much-needed financial support and morale for TSA agents working without pay during the partial government shutdown.Buffalo Today

Western New Yorkers have stepped up to support local TSA agents at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport during the partial government shutdown. The NFTA organized a gift card donation drive and collected around $21,000 in gift cards that TSA workers were able to accept under the TSA's rules.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown left many federal workers, including TSA agents, without paychecks. The generous donations from the local community helped provide financial support and morale for the TSA workers during this challenging time.

The details

Last Tuesday, the NFTA started a gift card donation drive to support TSA agents at the two local airports. The organization says around $21,000 in gift cards were collected, and TSA workers were able to accept all of the donations because they were under the $20 per card threshold set by TSA rules.

  • The NFTA started the gift card donation drive last Tuesday.
  • The NFTA announced the $21,000 total on Monday.

The players

NFTA

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which organized the gift card donation drive for local TSA workers.

TSA Agents

Federal transportation security workers at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport who were able to receive the donated gift cards.

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What they’re saying

“The grand total came out to approximately $21,000 in gift cards! We are amazed at the generosity of Western New Yorkers and very grateful.”

— NFTA Spokesperson

The takeaway

This outpouring of community support for federal workers impacted by the partial government shutdown demonstrates the compassion and generosity of the Western New York region, even in challenging times.