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Subscribe to RSSNBC's George Lewis reports that generous people, dubbed "layaway angels," have been paying off families' layaway accounts at stores likes K-Mart and Walmart, in an effort to spread some cheer this holiday season.
They've been called layaway angels, Secret Santas, good Samaritans and even miracle workers. Whatever you call them, the Frank Capra-esque anonymous donors who have been paying off strangers' layaway bills around the country seem to be touching even the Grinchiest of hearts.
This year's unexpected holiday phenomena of altruism is moving even those inured to pleas for donations from food banks, homeless shelters and other charities to drive to the nearest Kmart or Walmart or Toys R Us and pay off someone’s bill. Many others are moved to tears just hearing reports of these Christmas random acts of kindness. A Dec. 9 story that appeared on mnsbc.com about one of the first layaway angels Michigan was one of the most popular stories of the month.
"It's the holiday season and people want to be happy and yet there's so much negative news out there," says Elizabeth Lombardo, a clinical psychologist and author of "A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness." "You have the horrible recession and all the financial stress. And this story rises above it. People are dying to hear good news so when they hear something genuine, they jump on it."
While the trend appears to have started in Michigan, layaway angels have popped up in South Carolina, California, Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, Delaware and Nevada and the number of donors -- and states involved -- appears to be growing.
According to one news report, more than 1,000 layaway accounts adding up to more than $400,000 have been paid off by anonymous angels at Kmart alone, with some people donating thousands of dollars. Being a layaway angel, it seems, is contagious.
"It's the Santa effect, really," says Lombardo. "It's exciting and motivating and when people hear about it, they want to be in on it, too."
Not only are people getting in on it, they’re doing it anonymously. One Indianapolis woman who paid who paid off the layaways of 50 people, didn’t give her name but said she was doing it in memory of her husband who had just died and only asked people to “remember Ben.” Another, who paid off the layaways of three people in Michigan, simply signed their layaway slips “Happy Holidays from a friend.”
"It's secretive so it's a little more exciting," says Lombardo. "People think, 'nobody knows I'm doing this.' It's fun to play Santa. And Santa doesn't just give rich kids presents. These people want kids to be able to have a Christmas regardless of what their parents can afford. To be able to be a part of that is very powerful."
Another allure is the autonomy. Instead of donating to one of thousands of charities asking for help this time of year, layaway angels are deciding to help individuals of their own choosing, usually with toys and clothing purchases for children.
"They've decided on their own that this is what they want to do as opposed to being asked," she says. "In general, if we come up with an idea ourselves, we own it more. We're more excited and passionate about it. When we come up with the idea without being asked, it's more positive for us. It's not just helping the recipient, but it's helping the giver be happier."
While at least one expert has suggested that the layaway angel trend could have started as a "strategic public-relations stunt," Lombardo says it doesn't really matter.
"If it's a marketing ploy, I think it's a great one," she says. "There's sometimes a lot of cynicism and negativity out there. But this is promoting and glorifying helping out others. Even if people can't be a layaway angel, they might help out in other ways, like holding the door open for someone. When we get it in our minds that we want to help others, we look for ways to do it. There's a ripple effect. That's the beauty of it."
Mary Chapin put some toys on layaway at a Michigan K-Mart for her son David and was hoping to pay off the $200 balance the week before Christmas. Then she got a call that changed all that. WOOD's Dani Carlson reports.
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This is amazing! Hopefully I will be able to do something like this one day.
Now THIS is good news. People actually doing something that benefits other people.
Too bad our political leaders can't be moved like this to do something for the people they are supposed to represent, instead of the business interests they do.
I totally agree...thank you for saying it
Amen Indigo Rage...that's it in a nutshell, isn't it?!
God love 'em. God bless 'em. And God keep 'em - every minute!
I'm truly touched by the random acts of kindness being displayed this CHRISTmas season
The season is Winter Solstice.
Nice way to negate other celebrations this time of year such as Kwanza, Yule, Winter Solstice, hannaka (sorry about the spelling of that last one), etc.
To paraphrase Ghandi: -- I like your Christ, but not your Christians. They aren't very Christ-like.
You mean the religion with all the real estate and property that pays no taxes?
Your faith is a cult for capitalists, and a shame for all humanity
Time to tax the charlatans.
how do you do this?.... i want to know so i can!
Am headed to K-mart myself this morning..but imagineyou could go to Wal-Mart or other discount stores that offer lay-away... and imagine I will just go to the lay-away desk and ask em how to do it...
What I like about helping someone who has to use layaway is that these are people who likely are living paycheck to paycheck and yet they have planned to save up to give their kids a Christmas. I can only imagine what some of them gave up to be able to put aside a little here and there to be able to afford this. These parents don't qualify for any of the charities. Some charity recipients have an expectation that they will receive help and never make a plan to do it themselves. Note I said SOME. I used to work in a clinic where the owner would buy a ton of toys to give to our pediatric patients. She stopped when parents started calling and stopping by to "sign up for the free stuff". The attitude wasn't appreciation/thankfulness, it was one of expectation of entitlement. Free is an insidious destroyer of personal responsibility and will.
W
Are "Layaway Angels" working for the house to stimulating their marketing image? Do the downtrodden dress down to look poor hoping they will get freebies if they hover around the layaway desk? Is it a good idea to keep feeding the poor with expensive welfare goodies and toys that they really cannot afford anyway? Will this take away the initiative for young people to work harder to improve their economic situation? Oh well its just another day for these folks that are on government welfare.
I use layaway because its the only way we can afford to get some of the things we want to get for our loved ones, and we are NOT on welfare. My husband is in Social Security Disability because strokes left him unable to work, but for 50 years he worked hard to provide for his family and paid into the system. I am currently on unemployment, having lost my job, but I am looking for a new job, and have also paid into the system all my life. So, Bighorn, don't assume that because people use layaway, they are on "welfare". It only shows your ignorance and lack of compassion for those less fortunate than you. As for the poor "hovering around the layaway desk", what a load of crap! No one expected this to be done for them. Even though I was not a beneficiary, I am so grateful to the people who are doing this, what a wonderful, caring thing to do. If I had the money, I would do it myself.
Listen Blowhorn, most people who are using layaway (which started being offered again only in the past few years since there wasn't a need or market for it with easy credit over the past 20 years) are lower- or middle-class people jsut trying to do right by buying some necessities and paying it off little by little every week. They can't afford it all at once, but they are paying it off. These are the exact people that are working hard, trying to stay afloat. Don't be such an ignoramous.
Most definitely not. I posted the original story to my facebook page and my 23 year old daughter was so moved by it that she went to the local KMart and paid $86 to close an account. How could I not follow her act of generosity? Two days ago I went into the city and my 16 year old daughter and I did the same. The KMart staff seems genuinely excited and surprised by what's going on and they have a ready list of delinquent accounts. They ask what kind of thing you're looking for in the accounts you would like to pay off and we told them to look for childrens clothing and toys. They leave a few cents on the account to keep it active and they call the people to let them know what's happened. When the account holder comes in to pick up their layaway items, KMart pays the last few cents. It's easy to do and you don;t have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars. There are accounts ready to be reshelved for lack of $50.
It was easily the very best part of Christmas for me and as a Mom, the thought of unknown parents not having to watch their children come downstairs to an empty Christmas tree brings me great joy.
You need a hug.
Paying off material crap that people don't need; its the American way! Forget those who truly need help.
Yes, yes, all those Americans buying worthless material crap, like winter coats, boots, etc. Stuff they really don't need in the wintertime.
The Wal-Mart commercials show you people putting toys on layaway for their kids. The reality is much, much different.
Quit being a doucherocket and open your eyes.
Riiiight... because children don't really need a present to open on Christmas morning, do they?
Is that how you became such an insufferable prick?
Maybe if someone had done something nice like this for you when you were a kid, then you might've gotten that GI Joe with the Kung Fu Grip and you wouldn't be so miserable.
Happy Holidays.
Wilie: Bah humbug Mr. Scrooge...aways good to remind those with any sense of humanity that you are still with us.
I think it's miraculous that in this really tough economy and financial uncertainty there are still people willing to give of themselves simply for the benefit of others.
God bless us one and all. Merry Christmas
This is an amazing thing these "Angels" are doing. For those 2 that naysay on this because it's not being done where they think it should be need to just go be a Scrooge somewhere else or go and help those that you think deserve it instead of being a critic on how other people chose to spread goodwill and help. I don't care if the people helped are on welfare, live paycheck to paycheck and buying stuff you don't think they need. You seem to have missed the whole point. These "Angels" are giving back to their community, helping people and their families regardless of what they are buying. This helping hand to these families will be remembered and they will pass it on, they will strive to help someone else out in whatever way they can. They will remember the kindness that was bestowed upon them without asking, without begging, without pleading for help during these dark times that so many of us are faced with. I can't afford to put anything in layway for my kid and if I had and someone paid the vast majority of the bill, I would be crying at the relief of knowing I could give her something, that i didn't have to sacrifice something else to make things work. As it stands now, my daughter will get a pair of earrings, that's it, it's all I can afford after keeping a roof over our heads, clean clothes, lights, food, gas in the car so I can work and get her back and forth to school. I would have loved to get practical things for her, clothes, shoes, things she needs and maybe a little something she wants. I bought the earrings because she plays the saxaphone in her school band, the one joy in her life that she excels at and I wanted to get them for her because she expressed how much she liked them and how much they represented a positive thing in her life. I would love to have an "Angel" help with Christmas but I also know that I would go out of my way to pay that kindness forward in anyway I could. I'm thankful that my daughter understands our money situation and is willing to wait for that christmas that comes in Feb. when i can buy her a little something she may not need but wants. by the way i'm on government welfare and I work 40hrs a week, sometimes more and a single parent, yet I still don't make enough to meet all of our needs. Anyone who says I need to go find another job that pays more, well, where are they cause I've been looking. I dont' speak a 2nd language, bye bye half the jobs, I don't have a bachelor or master degree from college, bye bye another huge chunk of jobs and what's left isn't enough. I work with what i have and I try my hardest to make it work and I sacrfice so much to make sure my daughter has everything she needs even if that means some of my needs aren't met.
I feel for you, Mel. And I understand your frustration with looking for a job. I am going through that myself right now. At my age, it is not easy finding a job, especially one that will allow me to meet my husband's needs as well as money. I have in effect, a 60 year old 6 year old to take care of, who cannot be left alone. Our doctor's office is helping us get hooked up with help to meet his needs though, so I can get back to work without fear of what might happen to him while I am gone, that is our Christmas blessing! I have to believe that things will get better for us, and that I will find another job...
Mel ... I will keep you in my prayers hon, cuz I am in the same boat. It's funny that you posted here because my 15 yo and I just had an argument over my ability to be optimistic. It's hard to do that when I have been unemployed for over a year, just got a rent court notice in the mail and I have no idea what I am going to do. Then I see this and it makes me feel good and gives me hope that all is not lost (well, at least for today it does, can't promise tomorrow). As much as I hate Walmart, sometimes I don't have a choice and when they used to layaway before, it was the only way I was able to buy his school clothes. HMPH! never toys. I haven't bought my child toys or anything of enjoyment in over two years. He turns 16 this year so I pray that changes so that I can give him somehting special. Sorry I ranted. God bless everyone on here, even the grinches who think all of us are on welfare (which btw, I'm NOT!)
Canyon, Mel, and Chef - you three embody the angel spirit. Good for you - even though you are going through hard times yourselves you are able to celebrate those who have been helped through the generosity of others. You are providing a wonderful example to your loved ones - they are learning such a valuable lesson by your selflessness and sacrifice. Angels are everywhere - the three of you prove that!
When I read comments like from "Bighorn" I feel so sorry for anyone so mean-spirited, hateful and distrustful. His life must be so bleak. God bless the people doing this kind deed. Yes, the people who are putting things on layaway are very probably doing it for their children at great sacrifice to themselves. I know when I was newly divorced and with a child having frequent operations that was the ONLY way my two sons would have any kind of Christmas.
When I first read bighorn's comment, I felt angry, affronted by his ignorant assumptions, but now I feel only pity for him. You're absolutely right, alchmo. He deserves our pity, because obviously he's never known the kind of love that compels the rest of us to do everything we can for our loved ones, regardless of the sacrifices we may have to make in the process. And EVERY child deserves a toy for Christmas, regardless of their parents financial situation. You cannot blame a child for whatever misfortunes his family may be suffering, and in this day and age, with the economy in turmoil, you can't unilaterally blame the parents either.
My hope for bighorn is that the spirits of Christmas visit him and his heart comes out of deepfreeze. I notice he hasn't come back on to defend his position, one can only hope that after reading the reactions to his post he now feels shame for what he said and perhaps is reconsidering his ill thought out comments. This also goes to wiley bustit, the other Scrooge on this thread, who also hasn't come back to defend his comments. Perhaps the rest of us have become the Christmas spirits for them, and maybe they, who apparently have never known difficult times, will go out and pay off the layaway of some less fortunate family who is trying their best to provide their children with a Christmas.
I guess the title of this article is wrong. The grinchiest of hearts aren't touch by random acts of kindness. How sad.
Lots of the typical (and, sadly, expected) negative crap about Welfare recipients and whatnot, people buying stuff they don't need, using layaway, we're extending the cycle, etc.
The Wal-Mart commercials show you happy people putting toys on layaway for their kids. That's marketing.
The reality of layaway is often far, far different. You'll see people putting boots, winter coats, thermal underwear, pots and pans, clothing... definitely NOT the "materialistic crap" most people assume it's for.
Let's try to be a little less judgmental, folks.
Mel and Canyongal - I wish you peace, joy, happiness and all good things for you and your families. Hang in there.
Thanks, Regular Chick. I know for me, I will be hanging in there. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and this isn't my first time with hard times, by now I'm pure steel! I have a strong feeling Mel will get through too...
This is a wonderful thing to do - it doesn't matter what the financial position of the recipient. The whole point is to give anonymously, with no expectation of discovery or return thanks. I know someone personally who went to our local K-Mart and paid off three people's layaways, then marched into Walmart and did it again. It made him feel deliriously wonderful inside. It turned out to be more of a gift to himself. He's glowing from the inside out; he's feeling the true spirit of CHRISTMAS!! Thank God for people like him; and I'm fortunate enough to work for him. I can't do what he did, but I think I can help one family. Why do I want to do it? That glow, that warm feeling, that secret knowing that somebody is going to get a great surprise. To be a blessing to others, that's why you do it!!!
There are special Blessings for those Layaway Angels... My thanks to all who did this so someone else can have a better Christmas.
Layaway Angels indeed...
Merry Christmas Everyone!
How about you retail giants step up and help.For everyone who pays down an account you should match them. Give something back to the people who support your companies every day. Do the right thing and help. It feel so good try it.
As you may be Christian, yes to you it is the Christmas season, but to myself, it is the Hannakuh season and also Kwanzaa. So I think it is a wonderful thing to hear of during this Winter Solstice Holiday season... :)
Good ol Xmas,the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
ChefLaSh, you're right...maybe this trend shouldn't stop at Christmas. If we are able, we can help someone out at any time of the year doing something like this. Paying someone's layaway bill directly benefits them. When you donate to a charity a portion of your donation goes to cover "overhead", i.e., doesn't go directly to those in need. I think this is a great idea and I'm going to begin doing this regularly during the year.
With God's birthday coming up in a couple days....would you expect anything less?
God's Birthday!?! WOW, what a concept,,,
The story warmed my heart. It made me cry. Doing for others does feel so good. I will do the layaway thing next year. This year I helped a single mom by moving her into one of my houses paying her bills until she could find a job (2 months) and then letting her live rent free for 6 months. She was able to do Christmas for her kids herself now that she is caught up and managed to save some $.
I use wood heat and have no car or house payments so I live very cheap. It is worth it to be able to help another have the things they need. I enjoy that feeling so much more than the feeling of driving a nice new car or watching a big screen tv.
I see so many people so worried about someone taking their money and giving it to someone who doesn't work or who doesn't deserve it... Just try giving. Go find someone and do something for them. Whatever you deem fit. It feels wonderful. It makes you feel rich beyond belief even if you drive an 800 car and cut firewood every day to stay warm.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Whatever just spread joy and if you can't do that take the week off from the rest of us.
I love this idea so much! I wish I had thought of doing this! I'm not rich, just an average middle class person, but I'm so thankful for what I have during these hard times. It's too late to do it this year, but provided my situation hasn't changed, I plan on doing this next year for a few lesser amounts! I'd rather see the money given to individuals who need it, vs a charity where the bulk of my donation goes towards administrative costs.
To those Angels who have been helping bring so much happiness to those in need by helping them to buy gifts and clothing for their kids, you have given them way more than the items, you have given them faith that humanity isn't lost, and these same people will never forget your kindness and they will pay it forward in whatever way they can.
Even something simple like paying the toll for the car in back of you or paying for the meal for the car in back of you at McDonalds is a nice act of kindness - I've had both done for me and those kind people really made my day.
My neighbor was a recipient of a layaway angel. She had about $1K on layaway, went in to pay part of it, and found out it had been paid off. It made her really happy.