Hollywood Burbank Airport first responders raising money for TSA agents with 'fill-the-boot' drive

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters and police officers stationed at Hollywood Burbank Airport asked travelers for help this week as they launched a "fill-the-boot" campaign to help TSA workers facing financial hardship.

Thousands of TSA employees nationwide had been receiving partial paychecks before the most recent checks arrived with zero dollars.

On Friday, travelers were generous, filling up the boots with $10 and $20 bills as they moved through the terminals.

"I just feel bad for them," said traveler Emily Alexis. "They have families and I don't like what's going on."

Some agents told ABC News they have taken second jobs to make ends meet. Money raised through the "fill-the-boot" effort will be used to buy gas cards to help TSA workers pay for fuel to get to work.

If TSA agents can't get to work, the airport shuts down, according to first responders.

"You can't put people on planes without them being screened, and it's not just our airport, it's every airport in the country," said Chief Edward Skvarna of the Hollywood Burbank Police Department. "So it has a massive effect."

Security operations at the airport on Friday were fully functional, with no unusually long lines. Still, first responders emphasized that TSA officers continue to show up despite not receiving pay.

"Definitely people get frustrated, especially when they're traveling. It's one of the most frustrating things. We're humans," said traveler Shoree Boyd. "But if they think about how frustrating it is for somebody not to get a paycheck, that's even worse."

Mikele Leetham of Utah said she fully supports the effort by first responders.

"I think that's an amazing way to utilize the resources that we all have extra, and why not pitch in more," she said. "It's cool that the first responders are the ones that are taking the initiative to make a difference."