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.
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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.
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Spreading Back-to-School Joy to 129 Families
Pay Away the Layaway recently surprised 129 families at Citi Trends stores in Athens, GA; Pittsburgh, PA; Fort Myers, FL; and Batesville, MS.
One grateful recipient shared, “I want to express my deep gratitude for your generosity in paying my layaway at Citi Trends in Fort Myers, FL. I am currently facing financial difficulties, and this unexpected blessing truly made my day. Thank you for your kindness; I pray that God continues to bless you. The world is a better place with people like you making a difference.” Other grateful recipients shared videos expressing their gratitude.
These surprise layaway payoffs were made possible by the generosity of Pay Away supporters, and a donation from CAA Sports Coaching. Thanks to this support, Pay Away was able to help children feel confident, prepared, and empowered with the clothing and supplies they needed for a successful start to their school year.
For over 10 years, Pay Away’s mission has been to inspire hope and spread kindness by surprising families across the country with layaway payoffs. As we approach the holiday season, our goal is to impact even more children and families.
Help us spread more joy this year at payaway.org/give.
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Easing the Back-to-School Burden: the Role of Layaway
For many parents and caregivers, back-to-school brings both excitement and stress. The anticipation of a new school year is often overshadowed by the financial burden of purchasing necessary supplies. Many parents and caregivers turn to back-to-school layaway programs to ease the burden.
Recent data indicates that families expect to spend an average of $890 on back-to-school items. This figure includes the cost of clothing, shoes, backpacks, supplies, and essential electronics like laptops and tablets. Amid reports that 67% of families have observed higher prices on these items, this high cost significantly strains household budgets.
Adding to the financial pressure, 56% of families start shopping by early July. This early start often stems from the need to spread out costs and take advantage of early discounts. For parents and caregivers, especially those with tight budgets, layaway programs become crucial financial tools. Layaway allows families to pay for items over time, making it easier to manage the high cost of back-to-school shopping. Unlike credit cards, layaway programs typically do not charge interest, making them more affordable.
Pay Away the Layaway believes that every student should feel confident, prepared, and empowered with the supplies they need to succeed in school. By helping pay off layaway balances, Pay Away ensures more students start the school year with the tools they need to thrive.
Support during this season is crucial. School supplies are not just about pencils and notebooks; they represent a student's readiness to learn. Without necessary supplies, students may feel unprepared, in turn impacting their confidence and academic performance.
By addressing the financial challenges of back-to-school shopping through layaway support, we create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students. Help us to ensure every student has the opportunity to feel confident, prepared, and empowered this school year by making a donation at payaway.org/give.
Pay Away the Layaway Spread Joy to 1,468 Families in 2023
Last year Pay Away the Layaway brought joy to families across the US. From providing children the supplies and clothing they needed to start their school year, to ensuring families had the holiday they hoped for, generous supporters played a part in spreading kindness to 1,468 families in 2023.
2023 was a special year! The Today Show featured Pay Away paying off 210 layaways in Brooklyn, NY, an amazing opportunity and platform to share our mission of spreading hope and inspiring kindness.
As children and families prepared to return to school, Pay Away paid off layaway balances for 360 families at Burlington stores, Citi Trends stores, and at Army and Air Force bases. We were reminded of the profound impact of kindness in Cranston, RI.
Pay Away also continued to attract support from NFL athletes including Darius Slayton and Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants, Pharoah Brown of the New England Patriots, Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets, and Cornell Powell of the Kansas City Chiefs. NFL athletes from CAA Sports joined together to support 92 military families, including those impacted by a tornado at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
As we look towards back to school and the holidays this year, we hope to impact even more children and families.
You can help Pay Away support families in 2024 by making a donation at payaway.org/give
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