news-record.com

GREENSBORO — The Kmart store on Bridford Parkway is feelin’ the love this Christmas season, just like many of the discount chain’s other outlets across the nation.

About a dozen donors arrived separately in the past several days to anonymously pay down layaway debts for families with children who are strapped financially, store manager Tarry Brummell said Monday.

“They just came in and anonymously wanted to make payments on layaways that contained toys and clothes for children for Christmas,” Brummell said. “We’ve had at least 12. It probably exceeds $4,000.”

The unsung, local Santas are part of a national outburst of seasonal cheer that started in the Midwest this year and has focused on Kmart. The discount chain apparently became a focal point because it is known for its year-round layaway program.

Customers lacking cash to make a purchase ask the store to hold the items while they make payments. Some people put back more than they’re ultimately able to redeem, meaning that some presents don’t make it under the tree for Christmas.

Brummell didn’t have any one donor or recipient whose story stood out for her, but she said events unfolded similarly for all who stopped by to give Thursday through Saturday.

“We do our best to comply with the donor’s wishes, with their stipulations as to what they’re looking for,” she said. “Usually, they want layaways that contain toys and clothes.”
It’s fun making calls to the lucky recipients of this unexpected generosity, she said.

“Of course, they’re thrilled,” Brummell said, noting that the donor usually pays off all but a few dollars of the bill so it can remain on hold for the lucky family.

Kmart staff members enjoy making calls to the recipients “because they just think it’s the neatest thing” to add extra meaning to the holidays, she said.

Brummell also heard that secret Santas have paid down layaways at Kmarts in Burlington and Charlotte recently.

“It seems to be something that’s really taking hold,” she said. “It seems to be a nationwide movement.”

Contact Taft Wireback at 373-7100 or taft.wireback@news-record.com