Layaway Angels, New York Jets Help Make Holidays Happy For New Jersey Families

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Some New Jersey families got a little extra help this holiday season from a group of layaway angels, and some New York Jets players.

As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, Christmas came early for Suninda Felic and other shoppers at Burlington Coat Factory in Secaucus.

They were surprised to learn that their layaway account had been paid off by a group of layaway angels.

"We work with the stores to contact the families and lure them down to the stores. They have no idea when they actually get here that their layaway balance is going to be paid off by our organization," Lee Karchawer said.

Through donations, the group Pay Away The Layaway collects money to settle the bills, a burden for many who are just trying to make ends meet this holiday season.

"Like a relief that I can keep the little last change that I was going to use to pay for this, and get something to eat," Donna O'Neill said.

The angels specifically picked people buying gifts for children, not just toys, but necessities like jackets, clothes, and shoes.

They did with a little help from New York Jets Lorenzo Mauldin and Kenbrell Thompkins, who were on hand to pass out gifts.

"To be able to put smiles on these people's faces, it made me feel good," Thompkins said.

It was all a reminder that the holidays are the season for giving, not just receiving.