Attention Kmart Shoppers: Your Layaways Are Paid

Someone once said the reaction from giving is greater than the action.

At the Huntington , 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  on layaway accounts at the Farmingdale  Sunday for holiday presents shoppers were saving for.