Attention Kmart Shoppers: Your Layaways Are Paid
Remarkable acts of generosity occurring at local stores this holiday season.
Someone once said the reaction from giving is greater than the action.
At the Huntington Kmart, few would disagree following a heartwarming week of generosity that has left store officials and some customers in disbelief after anonymous donors paid thousands of dollars to layaway accounts for people in need.
"It's a phenomenon beyond belief," said assistant store manager Ted Beckstead. "There's definitely people getting emotional back in layaway."
At least 10 anonymous customers have paid off about $2,000 worth of layaway accounts so far at the New York Avenue location, according Beckstead, who said he has never seen anything like it.
"They're very, very generous people," he said.
Since last week, donors began showing up at the store requesting to pay for toys on accounts that were about to be canceled, according to Beckstead.
"There's been quite a few, and people want to be anonymous," he said.
The reaction from customers has been moving — to both store staff and customers.
"It's certainly been the case where people that are having their layaways paid are incredibly excited," said Beckstead. "They get the call and 'say what do you mean someone paid my layaway?'"
And the acts of good will seem to be spreading across the area.
Three anonymous donors paid off hundreds of dollars worth of items on layaway accounts at the Farmingdale Walmart Sunday for holiday presents shoppers were saving for.
Kyle
6:44 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
This is wonderful!
JSC
10:21 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's nice to know that there are still giving generous people who don't need to be publicly recognized for their actions. Giving, in and of itself, is their reward. Merry Christmas to all those whose accounts were paid off. And thank you to the donors.
Laurie
11:55 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
In Judaism the most revered way of giving is anonymously. It is considered vain to give & in turn requiring recognition.
Laurie
11:56 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I think that giving anonymously such as this, paying the layaways like this, is the most noble form of charity
cate harrington
7:48 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
In Christianity ,It is the same.God knows and thats the most important
Rebecca
8:03 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I am so inspired by these acts of generosity. I truly believe it is the "invisible" acts that define not only the serious blessings int he life of the receiver, but also the character of the giver. These people are giving of themselves with no recognition--which means their motivations are purely about giving back. December is a month of miracles for so many different celebrations and this kind of giving shows that people continue to help make goodness happen for others....
Amy
8:51 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
K-Mart is one of the only stores that still has layaways. This is such a heartwarming trend sweeping the country. Keep paying it forward.
Jason Molinet
9:05 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Powerful sentiment.
Jim R.
9:09 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Proud of my fellow Huntingtonians. This is one of the best stories on the Patch all year.
Andrea
10:26 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Just read this article the other day - it's happening at Kmarts all over the country! So wonderful!
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2017025447_apuslayawaysantas.html
Elena DiMarco
2:36 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wonderful article, Rich! A friend of mine was just telling me about this last night. Truly amazing.