Texas Couple Become 'Layaway Angels' At OKC Walmart

A Texas couple has been lifting hearts at an Oklahoma City Walmart during the past few days.

Travis Meriwether and his wife Paige were high school sweethearts at Tuttle High School 10 years ago. They now own a successful motorcycle dealership just outside Austin, Texas. The Meriwethers handed out one-hundred dollar bills to customers Tuesday and Wednesday at the Walmart store on East I-240 Service Road.

Janine Mann has been battling cancer for several years and recently lost her job. Travis Meriwether intercepted Mann in the layaway line Wednesday and offered to pay for both of her carts, that were chock full of toys. Mann has custody of three of her grandchildren and couldn't believe it was happening.

"This was the first year I have not felt it was Christmas in my home," she said, as her voice choked up. "This is going to turn that upside down."

Meriwether also helped out Casey Kinder. Kinder lost her house in the Moore tornado last May. Yet Wednesday, she was with her mother at Walmart, buying toys for children in her neighborhood, who otherwise would not be getting Christmas gifts.

"It was kind of breaking my bank to do this. This is definitely a blessing," she said.

Travis Meriwether's only wish is for others to "pay it forward," if they can.

"To help these people and see their reactions makes it worth it," he said.

Walmart Assistant Manager Codey Howard says nationwide, more than a thousand people like Travis Meriwether have stepped up at different Walmart stores, and offered to pay off other people's debt. Walmart calls them "Layaway Angels."

"I am very surprised," he said. "Because times are harder now, and these are good surprises for folks for Christmas."