FL Police Chief Pays Off Expiring Layaway Purchases At Walmart

DADE CITY, FL — It may not constitute a Christmas miracle but, for 26 Dade City residents, it was the next best thing.

Last week, Dade City Police Chief James Walters and staff members walked into the Dade City Walmart and paid off all the layaway accounts due that day, an amount totaling $4,300.

The 26 layaway purchases were on the brink of expiring and would have been returned to the store shelves the following day.

"If they had the means, they would have paid it off already," Walters said nonchalantly, explaining the reason for the action.

Afterward, Walters got on the phone at Walmart and called each of the 26 Walmart shoppers to let them know they could pick up their layaway items free and clear.

He said reactions ranged from skepticism to surprise, followed by relief and gratitude.

"The surprise and joy from the recipients was wonderful to behold," Walters said. "Each call made a lasting memory, not only for the recipients but the givers as well."

Walters said this is the second year his department has paid off expiring layaway purchases using anonymous donations.

"In Dade City, we are blessed to have community partners who have graciously donated funding which allows us to give back to our citizens in a number of ways at Christmastime," Walters said.