Local Secret Santa continues to pay off Layaways

NORTHEAST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A Secret Santa keeps dropping off checks at a South Florida Wal-Mart to help out families with their Layaway, just in time for Christmas.

On Tuesday, more South Florida shoppers received a holiday surprise at Wal-Mart when they learned a complete stranger paid off their Layaway gifts.

Some shoppers who used the Layaway plan struggled to find a way to pay for the presents. "I was going to leave it. I wasn't going to get it," said another shopper.

Karen Stephen lost her job last year and recently started her own business, which has made it difficult for her to buy gifts for her sixth-grade, honor-roll son. Stephen could not believe it when Wal-Mart called to tell her someone had paid for her son's gifts. "This never happens to me. I don't even find money," said Stephen. "And I'm thinking, yeah right, I'm being punk'd, right? I'm being punk'd, right?"

Others are also having a hard time believing a total stranger would pay for Christmas gifts they otherwise might not be able to bring home. "I didn't want to come back here looking crazy," said shopper Marquita Williams.

These stories are the reasons the local Secret Santa keeps walking into Wal-Mart with checks. RS Schmitt has dropped off four checks from his group, South Beach Athletic Club, that collected donations to make the Layaway payments possible.

According to Schmitt, the donations are still coming in. "This is really what Christmas is about. This is the greatest Christmas that I've ever had," he said.

"Thank you for helping me and my family," said Stephen. "Thank you for helping others, because that's the true meaning of this season."

Wal-Mart managers continued to call shoppers to let them know the good news. "Is this a prank call?" said a mom.

"No, it's not a prank call. I promise you, it's a real, genuine call," said the Wal-Mart manager.

When asked if she wanted to say anything to the anonymous donor, the mom said, "Yeah, I would like to say thank you, because this is a blessing, because nothing in my life has ever happened like this to me. I'm always trying to do for everyone else. Oh, my God. Thank you."

The anonymous donor, replied, "You're very welcome. Have a happy holiday."

Recipients of the Secret Santa's paid Layaways will be contacted to pick up their gifts in time for Christmas.

The South Beach Athletic Club will continue their Secret Santa duties throughout the holiday season. If you would like to make a donation to the group, log onto:

http://www.southbeachathleticclub.com/

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