17 Families Surprised by Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Cornell Powell
Kansas City, MO – Pay Away the Layaway and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cornell Powell surprised 10 families at a Citi Trends store in Kansas City on December 12, 2023.
7 families at a Citi Trends store in Greenville, SC also received the exciting news their layaways were paid off. Customers in both locations were thrilled to learn they were able to bring their layaways home, thanks to the generosity of Powell and his Powell Project Foundation.
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help spread kindness this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
92 Military Families Surprised by CAA Sports
Fort Campbell, KY - A generous contribution from athletes with CAA Sports helped Pay Away the Layaway surprise 92 families at Army and Air Force Exchange stores just in time for the holidays.
47 of those families were located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, recently impacted by a devastating tornado. One grateful recipient from Fort Campbell said, "Receiving this gift at this time of the season, to have someone do this and gift this to me, it's a true blessing. Happy Holidays!"
Other families had their balances paid at Minot Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Langley Air Force Base, and at Buckley Space Force Base.
These surprise layaway payoffs were made possible due to generous gifts from Tyler Vrabel of the Atlanta Falcons, Shane Buechele of the Buffalo Bills, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, Jonathan Mingo of the Carolina Panthers, Khalid Kareem of the Chicago Bears, Charlie Jones of the Cincinnati Bengals, Jordan Battle of the Cincinnati Bengals, Myles Murphy of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cam Taylor-Britt of the Cincinnati Bengals, Trey Lance of the Dallas Cowboys, Lloyd Cushenberry of the Denver Broncos, Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos, Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos, Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos, Yosh Nijman of the Green Bay Packers, Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts, Willie Gay of the Kansas City Chiefs, Robbie Chosen a Free Agent, Marcus Davenport of the Minnesota Vikings, Troy Fumagalli of the Minnesota Vikings, Adrian Phillips of the New England Patriots, Cesar Ruiz of the New Orleans Saints, Jalin Hyatt of the New York Giants, Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, Connor McGovern of the New York Jets, Max Mitchell of the New York Jets, Solomon Thomas of the New York Jets, Randall Cobb of the New York Jets, Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles, Roderick Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Godwin or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans, Jaleel Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, and Jamison Crowder of the Washington Commanders.
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help support military families this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
69 Massachusetts Families Surprised by Patriots Tight End Pharaoh Brown
Brockton, MA – Pay Away the Layaway and special guest New England Patriots tight end Pharaoh Brown surprised 69 families at a Citi Trends Store in Brockton on December 12, 2023.
Brown joined Pay Away to deliver the good news that holiday layaway balances had been paid in full, and recipients were able to bring their layaways home that day.
"I just got out of the hospital after cancer treatment. This couldn't have come at a better time. This was a blessing, I really do appreciate it," said one surprised and grateful layaway customer.
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help spread kindness this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
NY Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton Pays Off Layaways for 168 Families
North Bergen, NJ – Pay Away the Layaway and NY Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton surprised 76 families at a Burlington in North Bergen, New Jersey on December 12, 2023.
54 families at a Citi Trends store in Mobile, AL and 38 families at a Burlington store in Lilburn, GA also received the incredible news their layaways were paid off thanks to a generous contribution from Slayton and his Left Hand Right Hand Foundation.
Slayton joined Pay Away volunteers to personally deliver the news that holiday layaway balances had been completely paid off in North Bergen. Recipients in Lilburn and Mobile received a video message from Slayton with the good news that they were able to bring their layaways home that day.
“I wanted to make the holidays a little bit easier at this time of year, I know it can be a struggle and a strain. This is my way of doing what I can to reach out to the community that helped raise me and give something back. Happy Holidays and be blessed!,” said Slayton.
A grateful recipient in Mobile said, "Thank you for paying off my layaway at Citi Trends. You made my day. I was wondering how I was going to pay it off. God sent an angel and it was you."
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help make the holidays a little brighter for families who least expect it. Give now at www.payaway.org/giv
Pay Away Volunteers Surprise 72 Families
A generous contribution from Givsly helped Pay Away the Layaway surprise 72 families at Burlington Stores in Chelsea on December 5, 2023.
They were joined by employees from dentsu and Fox Advertising Solutions who volunteered to helped make this event a special experience for the families whose layaways were paid.
Volunteers shared the exciting news with families that their layaways balances were paid off, and also surprised unsuspecting customers with gift cards to Burlington Stores.
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help spread holiday cheer this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
Jenna Bush Hager and Today Join Pay Away in Surprising 210 Families
Brooklyn, NY – Jenna Bush Hager and the Today Show joined Pay Away the Layaway and surprised 210 families at a Burlington Store in Brooklyn on November 15, 2023.
Pay Away volunteers were joined by Jenna Bush Hager as they set to work, getting ready to deliver the surprise of a lifetime to families gathered at the Brooklyn store.
“We’ve heard so much about so many families struggling this year, and really stretching to make the holiday what they want it to be,” said Executive Director Julie Sullivan, as volunteers gathered 210 layaways containing children’s toys and clothing, preparing for the big surprise.
As Jenna delivered the news that their balances had been paid in full, the crowd erupted into celebration from tears of joy, to dancing. Grateful customers received their layaway balances filled with holiday gifts for loved ones.
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help spread kindness this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
98 Families Surprised by NY Jets Linebacker Jermaine Johnson
Harlem, NY - Pay Away the Layaway and NY Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson surprised 98 families at a Burlington Store in Harlem on December 5, 2023.
Johnson joined Pay Away to deliver the good news that holiday layaway balances had been paid in full, and recipients were able to bring their layaways home that day.
One customer gratefully said, "There are still people who do kind things in this world."
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help spread kindness this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
68 Families Surprised at Citi Trends Stores in Fort Myers
Fort Myers, FL - Pay Away the Layaway surprised 68 families at Citi Trends stores in Fort Myers on December 4, 2023.
Pay Away was joined by local supporters, Tom and Margie Hurwich, who helped make this event a special experience for the families whose layaways were paid off.
Many were surprised and overjoyed to learn that their layaways were being paid off in full.
"This is the best blessing I could have never even imagined. I was trying to figure out how I could pay for this whole layaway, and then I got the phone call. I have 10 grandkids, and all of this—it's presents for them," said one thankful recipient.
Pay Away’s mission is to spread joy and kindness to families. For over 10 years, the organization has surprised unsuspecting families by paying off their layaway balances across the country.
You can help spread holiday cheer this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
Uniting for Good: Your Role in the Power of Kindness Movement
As we stand on the threshold of GivingTuesday, our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the journey we've shared together. With the “Power of Kindness" as our guiding star, we've come together as a community to celebrate the magic of compassion and generosity. Today, we're taking a moment to reflect on your role – the heart and soul of this movement.
Champions of Kindness: You Make the Difference
Throughout this campaign, we've witnessed the incredible impact that the “Power of Kindness" can have. From the heartwarming stories you've read to the inspiration you've ignited within your circles, your participation has been nothing short of remarkable. It's your belief in the potential of kindness that has brought us here, and it's your unwavering support that propels us forward.
Creating Connection, Fostering Change
As we look ahead to GivingTuesday, we want you to know that you are at the heart of everything we do. Your support has made it possible to spread kindness, create joy, and make a difference in the lives of countless families. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of goodness we're weaving together.
A Promise for the Future
As we eagerly countdown the last few days until GivingTuesday, we invite you to reflect on the journey we've shared. Let your heart swell with pride at the stories you've helped bring to life and the lives you've touched. While GivingTuesday is a momentous day, our movement is not confined to a single day – it's a promise to continue embracing kindness, compassion, and the spirit of giving.
Your involvement, whether through sharing stories, making donations, or spreading awareness, has brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, let's embrace the anticipation of GivingTuesday and the incredible impact we're poised to create.
Thank you for being the heartbeat of this movement. Let's make GivingTuesday a day to remember, fueled by the power of our shared kindness.
NY Giants Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux Surprises 64 Families in the Bronx
The Bronx, NY: Pay Away the Layaway kicks off the holidays season by surprising 64 families at Burlington Stores in the Bronx with the New York Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux and his Jream Foundation.
The Joy of Giving Back
At Pay Away, we believe in the transformative power of kindness and the incredible impact it can have on individuals and communities. The act of giving back is not just about financial support; it's about spreading joy, creating memories, and reminding each other that we have the power to make a difference in someone's life.
A Surprise Like No Other
As the doors of the Burlington store opened, the excitement was palpable. Families gathered, not fully aware of the incredible surprise that awaited them.
And then, it happened. One by one, layaway balances were cleared, and the reactions were priceless. Tears of gratitude, smiles of disbelief, and heartfelt expressions of thanks filled the air. For 64 families, the burden of holiday expenses had been lifted, allowing them to focus on the joy of the season.
A Special Guest: Kayvon Thibodeaux
Adding to the magic of the day was the presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux, a rising star in the NFL and a true champion of giving back. Kayvon, who plays for the New York Giants, was not just there as a celebrity; he was there as a symbol of hope and inspiration. Through his Jream Foundation, Kayvon has been dedicated to making a positive impact on communities and uplifting those in need.
Kayvon's commitment to creating change was on full display as he joined us in surprising families and sharing moments of genuine connection. His kindness, and willingness to give back exemplify the spirit of our mission.
A Day to Remember
As we reflect on today's event, we are reminded of the boundless potential within each of us to create moments of joy and unity. Our gratitude extends to the Jream Foundation, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and the entire community that came together to make this day possible. It serves as a testament to the power of kindness and the impact we can have when we choose to give back.
Today, we celebrated the magic of community, the spirit of generosity, and the joy of creating unforgettable moments. We look forward to many more opportunities to spread kindness, make a positive impact, and inspire others to join us on this journey of compassion and unity.
Thank You for Your Support
To all those who have supported our mission, whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply by spreading the message of kindness, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Together, we can continue to create a world where small acts of kindness make a big difference, where unity prevails, and where the power of giving back shines brightly.
You can help spread holiday joy this year by making a donation at payaway.org/give
Spotlighting Kindness Heroes: Stories That Warm the Heart
As we journey toward GivingTuesday, we are inspired by remarkable stories about the Power of Kindness. Today, we're thrilled to share a story that truly exemplifies the spirit of Pay Away – a story that showcases how simple acts can spread ripples of kindness.
Ripples of Kindness
Meet the Trejos—a family of six from Worcester, MA. With four school-aged children, the back-to-school season was both exciting and challenging for the Trejos. The excitement of a new school year was tempered by responsibilities of gathering school supplies and clothes for their growing children. The Trejos placed their children's new school clothing on layaway at a local Burlington, in preparation for the upcoming school year.
This year, however, an unexpected act of kindness would lead to an amazing surprise.
It was mid-August when Mrs. Trejo received a call from Burlington, asking the family to come to the store. Mr. Trejo arrived at the store where a representative from Pay Away the Layaway delivered the news that their entire layaway balance had been paid off.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mr. Trejo shared that the family regularly donates clothing and shoes to other families. The kindness and generosity that they regularly put into their community had rippled back to them!
The story of the Trejo family is a reminder that acts of kindness have the power to create a chain reaction of generosity and joy.
Championing Kindness, Creating Joy
The story of the Trejo family is not an isolated incident. They are a testament to the extraordinary potential within each of us to spread kindness and inspire hope in others. Even the simplest gestures can leave an indelible mark on families' lives.
As we celebrate stories of that exemplify the Power of Kindness, let these stories serve as a reminder that we all have the capacity to brighten someone's day. Whether through an act of kindness, or by supporting Pay Away at www.payaway.org/give, you create ripples of joy and positivity.
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate remarkable individuals who embody the “Power of Kindness." Together, let's make GivingTuesday a day to inspire hope and spread kindness.
Honoring Heroes: Supporting Our Veterans on Veteran's Day
On Veteran's Day, our hearts are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the immense sacrifices made by our veterans and active military personnel. These courageous individuals have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our freedom and protecting our nation. It's a day to honor their unwavering commitment, bravery, and the incredible sacrifices they've made. This Veteran's Day, we invite you to join us in a meaningful gesture to show our deep gratitude and support for these heroes.
A Call to Action: Donate Today
By making a donation today, you have the power to make a significant impact on the lives of our veterans and active military personnel. Your generosity goes beyond words and directly supports those who have served our country with honor and dedication.
Your donation will be utilized to pay off layaway balances for military families, ensuring that they can provide essential items for their loved ones. In the spirit of the holiday season, this small but meaningful gesture allows us to express our appreciation for their service and alleviate their financial burden during this special time of year.
Unity and Compassion Define Our Nation
As we celebrate the heroes who have selflessly dedicated their lives to our country, let's unite as a community and make a difference. Our collective support is a testament to the unity and compassion that define our nation. It's a reminder that, together, we can uplift those who have sacrificed so much for us.
Thank You for Your Generosity
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for considering this opportunity to give back on Veteran's Day. Your support makes it possible for us to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have made tremendous sacrifices on our behalf. Together, we can create positive change and demonstrate our unwavering support for our veterans and active military personnel.
This Veteran's Day, let's come together as a community to honor and uplift our heroes. Your donation is a powerful way to express your gratitude and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Join us in celebrating their service and dedication.
Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of this mission to support those who have sacrificed so much for us.