HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) — For military families sometimes money can be hard to come by, especially during the holidays. On Thursday, at the Langley Air Force Base Main Exchange it was easy.
For ten families it was their lucky day, as cart after cart of Christmas presents that they'd placed on layaway were presented to them with their remaining balances on their bills paid in full.
"Oh, it's so wonderful," said Sandra Diggs. "The Lord is good all the time. We were not expecting this. So, I was very nice. Santa did come."
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service teamed up with a charity called "Pay Away the Layaway." The goal is to make spirits bright for military families, to inspire hope and spread kindness.
Pay Away the Layaway surprised the exchange customers by paying off their layaway balances totaling more than $1,300.
"I think it's a wonderful gesture, and it was something no one had a clue," said Ivan Diggs "We were clueless on this. It was very, very touching, heartfelt for all of our grandkids."
Michelle Clougher was equally excited.
"I know those grandbabies on Christmas morning are going to go, 'Nana, this is so great,'" she said. "So it's a big deal."
Gina Wilson agreed. "It is fantastic," she said. "Awesome. It's the best Christmas present I'll get."
Pay Away the Layaway, Inc. is an all-volunteer, registered non-profit organization that was founded in 2011.
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