Lady Gaga helps pay off families' layaways

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Superstar Lady Gaga is in the Tampa Bay area for a concert and is helping out a lot of families for the holidays before tonight's show.

Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation paid off the layaway costs in conjunction with the organization 'Pay Away the Layaway' to the surprise of dozens of local families at the Burlington at University Square Mall.

In all, 25 families had their layaway balances paid for.

"It means a lot to me. It's a blessing to have people come forward and do nice things for people because I'm shopping for my grandkids, so it's a blessing to be able to help them," said Lashawn Huff, whose layaway was paid off. 

Lady Gaga created the Born This Way Foundation with her mother to empower young people to create a kinder and braver world. 

Her concert is Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena in Tampa.