By now you may have heard the phrase "layaway angels"- people who anonymously pay off the Christmas layaway balances of total strangers.
It's a movement that swept cities across the country this holiday season, and as one very lucky local couple found out today, Central Illinois is no exception.
Ahh, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the holiday spending.
But at the Peoria Kmart, there is a quieter section, in the back, where each year people who can't afford the big one-time purchase, put gifts aside early, hoping to pay them off little by little.
'Eight weeks ago, this was just packed with layaways," said store manager Chris Neis, describing Kmart's layaway room.
But he says this holiday season has been a bit different.
"We had one person come in initially and say she wanted to spend $1,000 and pay off as many layaways as she could, and since then it's been everyday," said Neis.
Managers estimate close to thirty local layaway angels have come in over the last two weeks, looking to pay off strangers' layaways-- to the tune of a grand total between $7,000 and $8,000.
"They're all wanting to be anonymous," said Neis. "They're not trying to take anything away but the joy of paying off somebody's layaway."
And they say the most amazing part is when families find out their Christmas gifts are taken care of.
Christmas Eve, Lakisha Fair and her husband David Alexander found out a total stranger had paid off their more than $300 layaway, down to a penny.
"This means the world," said Alexander. "You know, it's just unbelievable to know that someone out there is so kind hearted to do such a thing."
Most of it- presents for their seven year old daughter, and two year old twin sons.
"I love them so much that I want to give them everything that I got them today, and everything else someone else helped me get them today," said Alexander.
Now they say all they have to worry about is getting it all wrapped and under the tree.
"(How crazy is it that you don't know who it is? You'll never know.) Yeah, to this mysterious person out there, whoever you are, thank you. We appreciate it so much," said Alexander. "Thank you, from my family to yours, and happy holidays."
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