Company's Program to Help Nonprofits
With the economy in its current condition, the owners of Tallahassee-based eLayaway figured it was a prime time to develop an initiative that would help nonprofit agencies receive support from the community.
Tuesday the company joined with with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend to launch eLayawayFUNDS, a service that is expected to increase donations to the club. Company ambassador Deion Sanders spoke to approximately 45 children about his experiences at the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County while growing up in Fort Myers.
Sanders, a former All-Pro cornerback and Florida State University standout, encouraged students to be better, something that will occur if they listen to teachers and mentors.
"It's tremendous," Sanders said of the partnership. "It speaks to the integrity and value of the Boys and Girls Clubs. It's a wonderful relationship and partnership."
Sanders expressed his disdain for the credit industry, mentioning he works with eLayaway because it forces customers to be judicious with their finances, rather than racking up credit card debt. Sanders stressed to attendees that by working hard and being patient, anything is possible.
eLayaway was developed in 2005 as an online alternative to buying with a credit card. eLayaway customers buy products and personalize a payment plan to meet their financial needs. The products are shipped once payment is complete.
eLayawayFUNDS will work in a similar nature but allow people to "give what is in (their) heart as opposed to what is in (their) wallet at a given time," said Darrell Wills, vice president for the charitable arm of the company.
Wills said the relationship with the Boys & Girls Club is a pilot program the company expects to expand throughout Leon County and Florida. Company officials said the Boys and Girls Club was selected because of its reach throughout the Big Bend and the relationship local president Buddy Streit has with executives.
Because eLayaway is Tallahassee based, Streit said this partnership may encourage some of the club's 4000 members to reach similar heights.
"This is a creative (opportunity) to help donors contribute to nonprofits more efficiently and less painfully," Streit said, recognizing how the slowing economy may impact donations. "At a time like this, what a perfect opportunity to launch something that will not only help the Boys & Girls Clubs, but those that will follow us."
