Airport solicitor ban irks fliers

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh International Airport’s decision to ban solicitors has upset some frequent fliers who have been greeted by the same stalwart Salvation Army worker for the last 16 years.

Marilyn Darnley, 72, had tears in her eyes Friday as she sat by the red kettle and told donors about the ban, which will go into effect Sept. 1. Darnley is the only year-round kettle collector in the region.

“I love the airport, and I love The Salvation Army,” Darnley told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Some passengers questioned the logic of banning Darnley.

“What better public servant can you find?” Beaver resident Jeff Ragazzini said. “She comes in every day early in the morning, and it’s a friendly, wonderful face you get used to seeing. I can’t see that she’s causing any harm.”

Michael Beck, of East Liverpool, Ohio, said he will be very sorry to see her go.

“She knows me. Every time I fly, I donate something. She’s my good-luck charm,” Beck said.

An airport authority spokeswoman said some customers were uncomfortable with solicitations.