MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Christmas came early for 200 Memphis families. In the spirit of giving, a local philanthropist paid off their layaway balances at Burlington on Park avenue. This is the third time local businessman Avron Fogelman paid off layaway balances at the store. He did it 2016 and again last year.
As you can imagine, his gift made many Memphians very happy.
Travis Jamerson had about a dozen items for his grandkids in layaway that would have cost him almost $250.
“God is good, it was a blessing. I needed some help for Christmas for my kids and God came through, and I thank him for that, said Travis Jamerson.
Jeanette Stevenson showed Local 24 News her bag of gifts. She is a new grandma and was beyond grateful.
“It kinda took me by surprise, but it was nice to know that someone thought about us at Christmas, cuz my biggest prayer was I didn’t have the money to get it out and I was trying to figure how to get the layaway out, but it worked out just beautiful,” said Stevenson.
“It’s just a great thing some people have been in tears knowing they didn’t have to pay the remaining balance,” said Keshia Goss, Burlington manager.
“It is a blessing. It is a joy, and I want to tell the world thank you so much to the man who did do this for us,” said Stevenson.
Several shoppers say when they first got the call the layaway was being paid off they didn’t believe it.
“I was like ma’am ok is this real are you serious she was like yeah it’s real,” said Tomeka Williamson.
“I didn’t believe it, and I called the number back and it was there corporate office and they verified everything was true,” said Lysa Echols. Echols is beyond grateful.
“I was touched by it honestly. I was really, really impressed. I was excited and then I was a bit more excited when I found out it was from Fogelman.”
Echols layaway was filled with gifts for her grandchild. She has a message for the man who she says who made this holiday season special.
“I want to say thank you so much to Mr. Fogelman. I’m very appreciative, and your kindness has not gone unnoticed,” said Echols.