Layaway angel pays off layaway balances for unsuspecting shoppers in Sugar Land

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To make sure her kids have the perfect Christmas this year, Brittany Bowens scrimped and saved for weeks.
She'd bought toys on layaway at the Walmart off Highway 6 in Sugar Land.

When she arrived last week, money in hand, ready to pay off the last of her plan, she found that someone had already done it for her.

“Everybody was paying for their layaways and stuff like that, and so when we got to the register, the lady had told us that everything was paid off,” said Bowens.

She said she was stunned and walked out with toys for her one and two-year-old children. Bowens said she is grateful for the kindness of strangers.

“I hate that I don't know who it is but…I've never had anybody do anything like that, especially a stranger, for me, you know what I mean? And then for my kids, so it really meant a lot to me,” said Bowens.

This isn't the first time that Walmart has seen holiday spirit in their stores. So-called layaway angels across the nation have anonymously paid off layaways worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In a statement, Walmart said:

"Christmas is a time of year when many people go above and beyond to give back to their neighbors and communities. When customers anonymously pay off others’ layaway items we’re reminded of the amazing things people will do to support each other. We’re proud to be a small part of these random acts of kindness.”
 

Bowens said she hopes her mysterious benefactor sees this story and hears her gratitude.

“Thank you so much. If I could give you a hug right now, I would. I just appreciate you, you know. That was awfully sweet. Just thank you so much,” said Bowens.

Bowens said her secret Santa paid off about $100 worth of toys.

Walmart couldn't give Fox 26 News an exact amount, but says this mysterious person also paid off a significant number of layaways for other people.