LAKE CITY, Fla. – Hundreds of families in Lake City received an early Christmas present on Monday when they learned an anonymous donor paid off the remainder on their layaway accounts at the local Walmart, WJXT reports.
Walmart media relations officials confirmed the amount for the remaining balances came to approximately $59,000.
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Monday was the last day to pay off the layaway accounts before the Christmas holiday.
An anonymous donor also paid off about $51,000 in layaway balances in Chiefland on Monday, but Walmart officials could not confirm if the two donations were connected.
Some residents were in shock and some shed tears of happiness on Monday.
"It was a blessing because I was struggling. I didn't know how I was going to do this, but I managed. And when I found out, I was just so excited. I couldn't believe it," Diana Daniel said. "Whoever did it, good things will come to (them). ... That is the spirit of Christmas, because many people were probably going to cancel layaway because they couldn't afford it, and he made a lot of people's dreams come true."
Daniel said her total was $376.
"My total that I had left to pay was $50, but regardless of the amount, I'm thankful for it," said Jessica Mick. "I'm very grateful for it."