It's inspirational on a number of levels. People, by nature, are giving and caring. We hear so much negativity on a daily basis that it's sometimes challenging to find the good. We know it's there. Believe in our hearts that it is... but we don't always see it. Maybe it requires us looking a little harder. Maybe it requires pausing for a moment and just taking things in...
Here is a story of one layaway angel... (An individual who only wants to share the story... not their identity)
She felt a need to help. Throughout her youth she knew that Christmas was difficult for her parents. As a child she recalls feeling this... As an adult she appreciates how challenging it really was. When she read about layaway angels she thought -> "I can do that!!" She felt fortunate for the many blessings in her life including good jobs for both her and her husband and a wonderfully happy child.
She went to Kmart, not knowing what to expect. Have they had so many folks come in wanting to pay balances that they've developed a system? Slightly intimidated and yet determined to help she sought the layaway desk. The clerk, Shirley, was finishing helping a woman who was picking up her own Christmas presents for her children. Shirley asked whether the woman was there to pick up a layaway... "Sort of. I'd like to pay on someone's balance." Shirley responded, "Another Secret Santa!!! I'll be right back girl! Hold down the counter! Don't let anyone in front of you!"
When Shirley returned they got to work looking for a layaway with childrens toys or clothes. Seemingly an easy task but it took some time. They filtered through TVs, furniture, tools, etc. It was pretty incredible what gets put on layaway. They'd finally found one. They called the phone number to ensure that the person could come get the layaway and knew that it was paid for. Shirley's idea. The first phone number was disconnected. The woman immediately conjured stories in her head about how they couldn't afford the phone so it was disconnected... surely they then couldn't pay for Christmas presents. Without a way to contact the person they had to move on. They found another.
This time when the person on the other end answered the phone they said "who the hell is this?!" ... then hung up. While this may deter some it didn't deter Shirley or the woman. They called back. Shirley said, quickly, "I'm calling to tell you that a Secret Santa has come in and paid off your layaway balance. Now come get your babies Christmas presents!! And the next time you answer the phone, maybe have a little holiday cheer instead of that "who the hell is this" business, you hear?" The woman said she was on her way to the store... Very grateful for the gift. And promised not to answer the phone like that again. =)
They continued to look for people to help. Searching on random last names to see what would come up. As they were searching a man approached the two. Shirley looked up and said "give me a last name!" The man, confused, said what do you mean? "This woman is a secret santa and wants to pay off a layaway. We're searching names. We need another to search on." He said, "I don't know, maybe Jones?" Then he approached the woman and said, "We're in the same boat. I'm here to do the same thing." The woman suggested they work together. As they chatted a moment a couple approached the counter with a cart full of toys. They both looked back and had the same idea. He handed over the money he had and said to apply it to their cart, and said he had to leave. The woman told Shirley to ring them up. Between the man's cash and her they would buy the cart of toys.
Shirley called the couple up. In a manner that the woman had grown to know was "all shirley" she said, "miss!! Today is your lucky day! You've got two secret santas that want to make sure you go home with your babies presents TODAY! Not tomorrow... Today!!" The woman was confused, understandably. Shirley explained that two people were going to pay for all of her things. She was visibly shaken. Her hands were shaking as she unloaded her cart onto the counter. As the total was completed the woman went forward with the cash from the other man and paid that. She then paid the balance of the bill. Standing shoulder to shoulder the woman quietly stood at the counter. Neither really knew what to do at this point. The woman who had just paid for the toys gently touched her shoulder and whispered "Merry Christmas". The woman turned around and with a grin bigger than can be described in words, a few tears in her eyes, and whispered, "Thank you. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas."
"Shirley, do you need any thing else from me?" - Shirley demanded a hug and a wished the woman a wonderful Christmas and a very blessed new year.
As the woman left the store she too had tears in her eyes. Tears of gratitude and happiness. It's easy to get caught up in the swirl of your own holiday drama. Lose sight of the reward of giving to others not for the sake of receiving, but just to give.
I realize that many have their own financial challenges right now. And perhaps you can't do it now. Maybe you can next month, 6 months from now... or even next year. The gifts of kindness don't have to be large. Buying the car behind you in the drive-through their milkshake or coffee... paying for the car behind you at the toll booth... dropping off a tin of cookies at the home of someone having a rough time... Anonymously... Think of your own creative ideas.
Small acts of kindness can be done throughout the year and I guarantee you will make someone's day... Maybe even yours.
Love,
Darlene
Some links to stories about the Layaway Angels...
Layaway Angels Story
Another Great Story
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