Stores are seeing generous donations from anonymous donors
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- Secret Santa’s are spreading holiday cheer to families across America. It’s anonymous people, donating money, and paying off layaway for families who need a little help.
The gracious acts are even happening in Northern Michigan.
A couple local businesses have seen this.
It’s is paying it forward at its best
Unexpecting families getting the benefit of some true Christmas Spirit.
Some "Santas" are getting a little help this year, from anonymous elves who are opening their wallets at place like Acme's K-Mart to give families who might not have a great Christmas, exactly that.
"To have people come in and say I really want to help out someone's Christmas, I was to surprise someone, I want to come in and just help out with someone's Christmas is really neat,” says Jim Burke, K-Mart Sales Manager.
When a place like K-Mart gets a donation, they look at their lay-away list, see who's behind in payments, and then put money towards toys and clothes for children.
"I think it's great that people are doing that. I mean it's a great gift that people can go pick up their layaway and have it paid off," said Ashleigh Kiersey, a K-Mart customer.
"It's like a contagious thing, you give, you give, and those that give get it back, and you wouldn't expect certain people to give, and if it's 10 pennies, they're going to give it," said Kevin Drummond, Gaylord Walmart Store Director.
The Walmart in Gaylord has seen the same thing. A couple weeks ago, a downstate couple dropped in and helped take care of a local family.
"There are so many kids out there that just don't have privileges," said Theresa Coonrod, a shopper.
Both Drummond and Burke say the reaction from recipient families is always emotional when they learn layaway Santa delivered.
"I was told if you keep your hand like this, you can't get anything back, so you always get to let it go back out, that's cool, you know, it makes me feel good to do something for somebody else,” said Olivia Line, a shopper.
Store managers say the worst feeling is putting layaway items back out on the shelves after Christmas if nobody has picked them up.
This is just one way to do less of that.
