Phoenix Suns Foundation partner with Pay Away for Season of Giving Holiday Carnival
The Phoenix Suns Foundation, in partnership with Pay Away, hosted a heartwarming Season of Giving Holiday Carnival at Suns Headquarters, welcoming multiple community organizations and the families they serve for a day of fun, connection, and generosity.
The celebration brought 16 Suns players, who joined the families at an interactive carnival filled with games, activities, and festive entertainment designed to engage children and families in a memorable holiday experience.
A highlight of the event was the surprise distribution of major holiday gifts. Every child in attendance received new bicycles, laptops, and wish list items, ensuring that families left with both joy and resources for the season. This initiative exemplifies the Suns Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development, equitable access to technology, and creating lasting positive experiences for children in the Phoenix community.
Tampa Bay Bucs, Calijah Kancey provides 200 bikes in his hometown of Miam
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive standout Calijah Kancey returned to his hometown of Miami, Florida, this holiday season to spread joy and give back to the community that helped shape him.
In remarks shared at the event, Kancey explained that he wanted to deliver something he remembers wanting as a kid: “When I was growing up in Miami, we didn’t want an iPad or a toy — we wanted bikes so we could ride with our friends, have fun at the park, and really just enjoy being a kid.” He emphasized his desire to continue making this an annual holiday tradition to give back to young people in the community.
The effort highlights Kancey’s commitment not just as a professional athlete but as a role model dedicated to creating positive experiences for children where he once lived and played. This initiative continues the Buccaneers’ broader community engagement efforts, reinforcing the importance of connection between NFL players and the cities that helped shape them
Giant’s WR Darius Slayton + Pay Away take Boys & Girls Club on Shopping Spree
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton and his Left Hand Right Hand Foundation helped make the holidays brighter for local youth with a special Season of Giving experience.
Boys & Girls Club of Hudson Valley were surprised with a $500 holiday shopping spree each, giving them the opportunity to choose gifts, clothing, and essential items for themselves and their families. It was an atmosphere of huge excitement and empowerment as the kids filled their carts with items that mattered most to them.
The event was made even more fun when teammate Wan’Dale Robinson joined the shopping spree, spending time with the youth, and helping create memories that will last well beyond the holiday season.
We are honored to collaborate with Darius for this annual event to deliver joy and memories during the holiday season.
Tyrann Mathieu Partner with Pay Away to support Son of A Saint
Tyrann Mathieu’s Season of Giving with Son of a Saint in New Orleans was a powerful reminder of what community truly means
Ten incredible mentees and their families were surprised with thoughtfully selected wish list items, creating moments of joy and relief that made the holidays feel lighter and deeply meaningful.
More than a single moment, the experience reflected Tyrann’s ongoing commitment to investing in young people and strengthening families in New Orleans. In partnership with Son of a Saint, this Season of Giving honored resilience, celebrated connection, and reinforced the importance of showing up for the next generation of young men growing up without fathers.
We are grateful to Tyrann Mathieu, Son of a Saint, and everyone who helped make this moment possible and keep the spirit of giving alive throughout NOLA.
BIA X Sony Music Partner with Pay Away for Season of Giving
A group of remarkable young people from The Right Way Foundation were welcomed into an intimate and inspiring conversation with BIA, who candidly shared her personal journey, the challenges she’s navigated, and what it means to pursue big dreams with purpose.
The experience continued with a special surprise—a private listening party for her new album—followed by $500 Amazon holiday gift cards to help make the season a little brighter for each participant.
Moments like these capture what this work is all about: representation, hope, and reminding young people that their stories are still unfolding.
Pay Away’s Marathon of Giving on Giving Tuesday
On Giving Tuesday, Pay Away partnered with the Neighborhood Nip Foundation to bring holiday support to Crete Academy and Sisters of Watts. Each youth received a $200 gift card, and talent on site — including rapper YG, actor BJ Britt, Ras and Taj Austin of the hip-hop group Coast Contra, NFL/LA Rams cornerback Troy Hill, and media mogul Karen Civil — surprised families with additional gifts to help ease financial strain and keep the spirit of giving at the center of the day. A $10,000 check was also presented to Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom of the Neighborhood Nip Foundation in support of their holiday season gifting initiatives.
Westside Gunn x Sony Music Partner with Pay Away for The Season of Giving
Sony Music and Pay Away teamed up with American rapper and fashion designer Westside Gunn to surprise 100 teachers and 20 families from Health Sciences Charter School in his hometown of Buffalo. A longtime supporter of the school’s arts program, Westside Gunn aimed to ease financial stress as the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons approach. In the morning, 100 teachers received $100 gift cards directly from the artist, followed by 20 selected families being brought to the Walmart Superstore on Walden Street for $500 shopping sprees
It was a day of love, recognition, and community care — a reminder that Buffalo is seen, supported, and celebrated. Here’s to pouring back into the people who make the city strong.
Pay Away Partners with the Angel C. Reese Foundation Back to School Bash
In a remarkable display of community spirit and generosity, Pay Away proudly partnered with the Angel C. Reese Foundation to support the Back-to-School Bash in Chicago, providing 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students from the West Side. Hosted at International Sports Chicago, the event was an uplifting celebration that helped children start the school year with confidence and joy.
The day was filled with more than just backpacks and supplies. Students were greeted with live music, food, and a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Angel Reese herself delivered empowering words, reminding students that they are capable of achieving their dreams and urging them to believe in themselves every step of the way.
Angel's heartfelt message and presence brought personal meaning to the event—demonstrating what it looks like when resources meet inspiration. Families left not just with supplies at hand, but a renewed sense of community and encouragement to carry into the school year.
Jaden McDaniels Partners with Pay Away at Urban Ventures Block Party
Minnesota Timberwolves standout Jaden McDaniels recently joined forces with Urban Ventures and Pay Away to create an unforgettable back-to-school moment for South Minneapolis. At the Urban Ventures Block Party, Jaden personally handed out over 150 brand-new, fully stocked backpacks to children of all ages—turning the afternoon into a celebration of community, inspiration, and readiness to learn.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and connection as kids eagerly chose their favorite backpacks—whether adorned with superheroes, sparkles, or their favorite characters. It wasn’t just about the supplies; it was about the pride and confidence a child carries when they walk into school with something new. As one Urban Ventures staffer put it: “It’s not just that it is good for families who need to stretch the dollars … it’s also the pride and confidence a student has when they get to walk into that first day of school with a brand-new backpack.”
This backpack giveaway wasn't just a one-off—it's part of Jaden’s broader commitment to uplift the community through heartfelt initiatives. From providing winter coats and custom suits to fresh haircuts, his efforts cultivate a mindset that empowers young minds to believe in their potential.
View this post on Instagram
Michael Thomas & Karen Civil Inspire the Next Generation in South LA with Pay Away
Pay Away recently partnered with Brotherhood Crusade to stage a back-to-school event in South Los Angeles that went far beyond just distributing backpacks. NFL wide receiver Michael Thomas and media entrepreneur Karen Civil personally surprised more than 100 young people and their families with brand-new, fully stocked backpacks—sending a powerful message that these students are seen, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.
What could have been a routine giveaway became a day brimming with encouragement and inspiration. Michael and Karen took the time to connect directly with the youth, reinforcing that their community is rooting for them. That emotional affirmation—the idea that someone believes in you—can resonate long after the supplies are taken home.
This event exemplifies the profound power of community partnership: when leaders lend their presence and resources, they create moments that cultivate hope and motivation. At Pay Away, we’re proud to spotlight the impact of individuals who leverage their platforms to uplift others—turning simple gestures into enduring inspiration.
View this post on Instagram
47 Houston Families Surprised by the Pete & Thomas Foundation
Houston, TX - On December 10, 2024 Pay Away the Layaway and the Pete & Thomas Foundation teamed up to surprise 47 families. This marks the third year of working together to spread joy in Houston!
Recipients were surprised by volunteers from the Pete & Thomas Foundation, as well as Pay Away Executive Director, Jody Blum.
Click the video within this post to hear from a grateful recipient at the surprise event!
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. The organization surprises unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help Pay Away support families by making a donation at payaway.org/give
Families Surprised by Seattle Seahawks Tight End Pharaoh Brown
Auburn, WA – On December 16, nearly 70 families at a Burlington store in Auburn, WA, received exciting news. Thanks to Seattle Seahawks tight end and his Dream Big Foundation, along with Pay Away the Layaway, their layaway balances had been paid in full! The event was a collaboration aimed at spreading joy to families during the holiday season.
The surprise featured Pharaoh Brown, Bolt, the Seahawks mascot, members of the Seahawks Dancers team, and volunteers from Pictory. Together, they announced the surprise to the families in attendance. This marks Brown’s second year working with Pay Away. In 2023, he participated in pay off event as a member of the New England Patriots, surprising families in Massachusetts.
Pay Away’s mission is to inspire hope and spread kindness by paying off layaway balance for children and families.
Brown’s ongoing involvement with the Pay Away demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community and empowering youth through his Dream Big Foundation.
Help Pay Away spread more holiday cheer today at payaway.org/give!
