Shoppers in Middletown got a little help today from some "layaway angels" when they went to pay off their bills.

Tina Wood received the surprise of her life at Wal-Mart's layaway counter. She was there to pay the remainder of her balance but instead she was told her balance was zero.

Helping shoppers pay their layaway bills is all part of an effort by the nonprofit organization Pay Away the Layaway. The organization was started by Robert Karchawer's son in 2011 to help make the holidays more joyous.

Shoppers who were treated to the surprise were at a loss for words. As for the angels, they say it feels good to be the bearers of good news.