Layaway Angel: 154 Toys ‘R’ Us Layaway Debts Paid Off By Mystery Massachusetts Woman

A layaway angel in Massachusetts made a lot of people very happy this week. According to the Christian Science Monitor, a mystery person decided to pay off layaway items at a Toys ‘R’ Us store in Bellingham, spending $20,000 to make the lives of others that much brighter this holiday season.

“This incredible act of kindness is a true illustration of holiday giving at its best,” said Toys ‘R’ Us in a statement. As far as who showed off their incredibly big heart, there has only been chatter that it was a “bubbly local woman.” She has chosen to keep her identity private, which is something that many good-doers want. Their actions, you see, are not meant for attention.

A layaway angel is a person who goes to a store that offers layaway, and pays off the remaining debts of items that people have been trying to pay off a little at a time. The gestures have become more and more popular over the years, and many love to read about these random acts of kindness.

“The trend of anonymously clearing layaway accounts began in 2011, with donations growing to become a national phenomenon. In December 2012, for example, about 600 layaway orders at Toys ‘R’ Us locations were paid by mystery donors. And last year, a Florida man spent $21,000 of his own money to pay down the layaway balances of more than 75 people at a Walmart in the central part of the state.”

According to KHQ, the “mystery angel” told a store employee that her act of generosity would help her “sleep better at night.”

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the woman paid off 154 accounts at the local store, making the holidays easier for several families.

“I have no words. I can’t believe someone would do that, it’s so nice. I have been running around all week picking up layaways everywhere, so this is really awesome,” said Toys ‘R’ Us customer Diane Brewer of Mendon, Mass.

“I am so thankful for what she has done. She is my Christmas Angel,” said Lauren Carreiro Collette.

“You’ve got to pay it forward. It’s good karma,” said Jason Wood from Grafton, Massachusetts, who bought items for his two young children.

Layaway angels come in all different forms. Sometimes you will hear about a celebrity or an athlete doing something of this nature. However, when someone like this happens in a small, unassuming town, it tends to be that much more special.

[Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons]