The holidays are upon us, and many families are scrambling to buy presents for loved ones, even as many have faced financial hardships this year. To help spread some holiday cheer and bring a little magic to dozens of families, one Secret Santa paid off all the layaway orders at the Charlotte Walmart on North Tryon Street.
"It said my balance due was zero so of course I'm thinking what's going on," said Macy Fields, a customer at the retail giant. "She came back to the phone and said, 'Ma'am, everything is paid, all you have to do is come pick it up.'"
Customers were surprised when they received an alert about their items, and even more shocked to learn their balance was all paid up. Fields had at least $450 of gifts for her daughters that she no longer has to worry over, and Rashad Smalls said he can now give his sons a new TV, video games, and educational toys.
"A lot of people, rather it's young kids or adults, are going to have a very merry Christmas because of this nice gesture from this individual," said Smalls. "I will always be grateful even if I don't find out who did it for everybody."
With the money she saved thanks to the Secret Santa's generosity, Fields said she plans to pay it forward and do something nice for someone else. As for the anonymous donor, she couldn't be more grateful.
"They are Santa for us this year, they really are," said Fields. "I feel so blessed. I have nothing but the utmost love and gratitude and if I could give that person the biggest hug in the world I would."
Photo: Getty Images