FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — A national nonprofit organization has paid off around $2,000 in layaway balances for 12 military families at a Fort Bragg retailer.

Officials report that the 12 families were called to the South Post Exchange under the guise of a customer appreciation exchange Tuesday to learn the balances for their layaway items had been fully paid.

The funds were donated by Pay Away the Layaway, which plans to pay off $10,000 in layaway balances for military families nationwide.

Exchange general manager, Bill Shofner, says the families were selected based on the balance and items, with a focus on families that had put clothing and toys on layaway.

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