Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport will not have to return $1,000 gift cards given by billionaire Tyler Perry.
On March 27, Perry stepped in to help struggling TSA employees affected by the government shutdown that began Feb. 14, the director and entertainment mogul donated $250,000 in grocery gift cards. Though the gift was welcomed and likely needed, since TSA agents weren’t getting paid, many observers debated whether or not TSA agents could legally accept the gift cards.
As of May 31 pay will resume for federal workers who have been without pay for weeks. Many workers have returned $1,000 gift cards, even thought they face eviction or cannot afford basic necessities, 11 Alive reported.
A Perry spokesperson told the station
they have documentation, as of Tuesday March 31, from DHS/TSA legal team saying that the situation is now resolved. One TSA employee called Perry a “modern day Robin Hood,” according to 11 Alive and says the team will always be grateful for his kindness.Perry’s generosity sparked a wave of local support. In addition to Perry’s generous gift, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, led by pastor Jamal Bryant, also stepped up through the organization’s charitable arm, The King’s Table. The ministry invited workers to its weekly food giveaway to receive fresh produce, meat and other non-perishable items, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
“Whether you are a TSA worker navigating the impact of a shutdown or a family simply in need, we want you to know that help is here, hope is here, and you are not alone,” Bryant said.
Perry, who is known for his philanthropic endeavors in the Atlanta area, stated that he could not “sit by while people who do so much for our safety go hungry.”
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