Toys 'R' Us in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was expecting the usual Black Friday rush last week.
However one shopper, identified only as Charlie K.,decided to do something different. Instead of shopping for his son, as he had intended, he paid for over 8,000 toys that were put on standby.
His startling act of kindness was captured on a CBS news report, and later tweeted by reporter Pat Gallen:
This is Charlie K.
— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) 24 November 2017
While doing a segment @ToysRUs in Cherry Hill, Charlie walked in & decided to pay off all items on layaway. Over 8,000 toys!
Charlie also had everyone in the store pick 3 items for @ToysForTots_USA & paid for those too. Amazing generosity. Thank you Charlie. pic.twitter.com/GWr1pbGnVV
Speaking to CBS, Charlie K said that he bought the toys as he was "just trying to bring some happiness to people".
"I'm trying to give back to the community that brought me and my family so much happiness," he said. "I love the community and I'm trying to give back to it."
Charlie K. went shopping for his son but was struck by the realization "some people are a little less fortunate". And as this particular Toys 'R' Us was close to some of the poorer neighbourhoods, he "wanted to help some people that had helped us the most."
Not only did he pay for all toys that were on hold, but Charlie also asked shoppers to pick out three toys each to donate to the charity Toys for Tots, which he also paid for.
Charlie, now dubbed the "layaway angel", paid for roughly 62 orders, spending a tidy total of $10,780. The Toys for Tots donation amounted to a further $2,000.
One of the recipients, Stephanie Dawson, saw the report of television and rushed to the store, to discover that she was one of the lucky customers chosen by Charlie.
One of the lucky recipients of the generosity at @ToysRUs in Cherry Hill this morning. Stephanie had 7 toys worth $200 covered. Meet her tonight on @CBSPhilly after football. pic.twitter.com/yIUnyh1pt0
— Henry Rosoff (@HenryRosoff) 24 November 2017
The generosity shown by this Secret Santa also garnered much praise online:
We need more people like Charlie!! We need uplifting news in the times we are living in. Thank you Charlie!
— Anita Bunting (@7039alb) 26 November 2017
I am in tears! What an Amazing thing to do! You are the Man Charlie K:) Merry Christmas
— Marisa Stine (@Marisa819) 24 November 2017
Thank you Charlie for putting a smile on thousands of faces this holiday season. You are an incredible human being.
— Martyn (@mir_web) 26 November 2017
What a fabulously kind act, showing the true meaning of Christmas!
