Layaway Angels 2024

It's Year #12 of my annual friend fundraiser for Holiday Layaways!

Many years ago, I read a story about a "layaway angel" that went into a local K-Mart and paid off ALL of the layaway accounts for folks paying slowly for holiday gifts. I immediately went to our local Walmart and Toys-R-Us (RIP) and paid off a couple of layways. It broke my heart to see that there were parents saving up for kids Christmas presents with a balance as little as $17 that was going to go back on the store floor for non-payment.

I realized it didn't take much to make a difference in our community for people that aren't as fortunate as we are. And it's anonymous, how fun is that?!? After those first couple of years I started challenging my friends to do the same in their community. So many friends now make this part of their annual traditions, some with their own kids. It's fantastic.

I also had a few friends tell me that they weren't within easy access to a Walmart, K-Mart or Toys-R-Us but wanted to help. So 8 years ago the fundraiser was born! Now you can contribute to my layaway fund and 100% of the money will be used to pay off layaways in Middle Tennessee. I work with the local stores to choose layaways with children's toys and basic need items. The stores have changed (Walmart no longer does layaways), but the need has not!

It helps, it feels good, and the world needs some brightness right now. I hope you'll make this year the biggest yet! Last year we collectively were able to pay off ALL of the layaways at 3 different stores!