[Update] Tyler Perry Successfully Delivers $1,000 Gift Cards To Unpaid TSA Workers After Initially Being Denied Approval

[Update] Tyler Perry Successfully Delivers $1,000 Gift Cards To Unpaid TSA Workers After Initially Being Denied Approval

Tyler Perry found a workaround after his initial attempt to give cash to unpaid TSA officers was denied. So now, about 250 agents at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport have received $1,000 gift cards instead. The director’s effort came during the partial government shutdown that left thousands working without pay since February 14.

PEOPLE confirmed the director’s generous gift “went through a legal process” to be approved by TSA, according to union leader Aaron Barker. “It went through the legal process through TSA,” Barker said.

Thousands of TSA officers have been working without pay due to the partial government shutdown, which began on February 14. So some workers have been pushed to extreme measures, including sleeping in cars or selling plasma to survive.

While over 480 officers have already quit, Perry’s move delivered real relief right when it was needed most.