New York booth hands out free cash

Hundreds of New Yorkers have braved the freezing cold in Times Square for their chance to receive their own cash bailout. At a time when multi-billion dollar rescue packages are being given to the financial industry and automakers, one classified advertisement website has decided to give away money to those struggling in the current economic climate. Some members of the general public walked away with $50 (£34), others received as much as $100 (£68). The catch? Just show up and share your story about why you need the extra cash. BailoutBooth.com spokesperson Jewel Elizabeth said: "People are coming here just to get their own personal bailout. "They've heard about the corporations getting their multi-million dollar bailouts from the government and it's time for that trickle down to the every day guy on the street. "People are coming in, the only requirement is that you're over 18 years of age and that you have some form of ID. Tell us why you need a bailout and then we give you some cash to help you out," she said. From a small cubicle on the corner of 46th Street and 7th Avenue, the money is being handed out by a mysterious looking character called 'Bailout Bill'. Unemployed New Yorker Lisa Forsee queued up for more than five hours, and was happy to receive $100. "You know a hundred dollars is great, it'll help out so much, and I appreciate it. What a great job they have, I mean it's helping people, helping society, you know, giving back," she said.

» More on this story... «

ITN | February 5, 2009

Tags:. .society. .coming. .booth. .unemployed. .character