ATLANTA -- Belk Inc., operator of Belk department stores, has committed $100,000 to the American Red Cross to help the victims of Superstorm Sandy.

PHOTOS | New York recovers from Sandy

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who suffered and continue to struggle as a result of this devastating storm," Belk Inc. chairman and CEO Tim Belk said in a statement. "The American Red Cross is at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, providing much-needed resources and support to those who lives have been impacted by the storm."

Belk's contribution will support efforts both in New York and throughout the company's footprint.

There are several Belk locations throughout metro Atlanta. Visit belk.com to find your closest store.

ATLANTA -- Fall, the prime planting season, is right around the corner, and Pike Nurseries has everything homeowners need to beautify their yards.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, all Pike locations in metro Atlanta will host a free fall gardening class. Nursery experts will take attendees through the process of picking out fall plants and caring for them.

The class will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is free to attend.

Pike's Gardenfest event, where customers can enjoy complimentary refreshments while surveying a variety of plants and yard decorations, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Much of the merchandise will be on sale during Gardenfest.

Visit pikenursery.com to find your neighborhood Pike and to learn more about the upcoming fall events.

ATLANTA -- The Walmart layaway program will return just in time for Christmas, the company announced Monday.

This year's layaway will have plenty of new features, including more eligible items and a $15 Walmart gift card for those who pay for their entire layaway purchase.

Layaway begins on Sept. 16. Customers who like their local Walmart stores on Facebook beginning Aug. 28 will be able to start their layaway early, on Sept. 14.

Learn more about the program at walmart.com/layaway.