A Washington state man praised a couple for returning $20,000 they discovered hidden in an armoire purchased from an estate sale.

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Liz and Mark Thompson said they purchased the armoire for their business, ET Estate Sales & Liquidation in Richland, and an employee discovered a pair of envelopes hidden inside the piece of furniture containing a total $20,000 in $100 and $50 bills, the Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash., reported Tuesday.

Ron Davidson said the money belonged to his sister, a 78-year-old widow who did not want to be named. He praised the Thompsons for returning the money and said it would be a great help toward paying his sister's medical bills and leftover bills from her late husband.

"She's had a lot of stress in her life these past months and has asked that she not be named. But my sister and I want to let everyone know how grateful she is to Liz and that young man who found the money. It means a lot to her," Davidson said.

"This money will make a wonderful difference. The timing was just a blessing," he said.