Back-to-School Layaway Balances for NEX Customers Paid Off

Photo By Kristine Sturkie | A customer at the Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) NEX Meridian, Mississippi, had her back-to-school layaway paid for by the non-profit organization Pay Away the Layaway, Inc. In total, 72 military families at nine NEX locations around the world had over $10,000 worth of children’s clothing, shoes, backpacks and other school supplies paid off. Pay Away the Layaway, Inc., works with retail stores across the country to surprise families by paying off remaining layaway balance. NEXCOM is comprised of 14,000 personnel worldwide facilitating six business lines, NEX retail stores, the Navy Lodge Program, Telecommunications Program, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Ships Store Program and the Uniform Program Management Office. (U.S. Navy photo by NEXCOM Public Affairs/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

09.21.2021

Story by Kristine Sturkie 

Navy Exchange Service Command

Going back to school this fall was made even more memorable for 72 military families when their layaways were paid for by the non-profit organization Pay Away the Layaway, Inc. In total, over $10,000 worth of children’s clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies were paid at nine NEX locations around the world.

“Our military families sacrifice a great deal in service to our country,” said Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Command Master Chief Dayna Winn. “It’s wonderful to see them be supported and appreciated in this way. I know they appreciate having these layaway balances paid to ease the burden of purchasing items for back-to-school.”

Select families with back-to-school layaways were asked to come into their local NEX where they were shown a video from Sarah McLellan, Executive Director of Pay Away the Layaway, Inc. She delivered the news that their layaway balances had been paid.

“We're humbled to be able to pay off some back to school layaways for military families this year,” said McLellan. “This can be a challenging time of year, and seeing the joy on these parents' faces is so special. Our partners, donors, and volunteers continue to amaze us with their generosity, and we're grateful for the opportunity to pay off layaways for families who sacrifice so much to keep us all safe. We're excited to continue spreading joy as we head into the fall and holiday season!”

Since 2016, NEX layaway balances totaling nearly $200,000 have been paid for military families. Pay Away the Layaway, Inc., works with retail stores across the country to surprise families by paying off remaining layaway balance.

• Date Taken: 09.21.2021
• Date Posted: 09.21.2021 11:46
• Story ID: 405693
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US