TSA team at Philadelphia International Airport collected 12 boxes and bags of gifts for the Toys for Tots program

TSA team at Philadelphia International Airport collected 12 boxes and bags of gifts for the Toys for Tots program

The TSA team at Philadelphia International Airport recognized that the holiday season was likely to be rough on children whose families were struggling during the pandemic due to so many job losses in the region and they wanted to do something about it, so they conducted a Toys for Tots drive that resulted in collecting about twice as many toys this year as in years past.

“There was an amazing outpouring of support” during the month-long collection period, which collected 12 large Marines Toys for Tots boxes, said Shawn Jones, TSA’s Model Workplace Program Manager. TSA employees contributed toys for children of all ages through Toys for Tots boxes throughout the airport. Lead TSA Officer Larry Dorns collected cash donations from each shift and offered to do the shopping to fill the donation boxes, Jones said, adding that the employee union also generously contributed to the collection.

“The TSA team here at Philadelphia has heart,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s federal security director for Philadelphia International Airport. “Not only are they dedicated to the mission of ensuring safe travel for people who choose to fly during this pandemic, but they recognize that there are others who live in our very neighborhoods who are less fortunate and they have taken action to help ensure that area youngsters will have a joyful holiday.”

“We wanted to give back to the community,” Jones said. “We haven’t forgotten how the community supported us during the government shutdown and 35-day furlough. There have been numerous newscasts showing families that are food insecure and one can only imagine the type of Christmas the children in those families might experience,” Jones said. “We wanted to make a difference for those families, for those children.”

Featured

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.