Person walks into Walmart and pays of a strangers layaway

[lonewolf]

Nice idea that apparently is catching on this Christmas.

A person walked into a Walmart and asked if they could pay off another persons gifts that were on a lay-away plan.
They did ask for one where toys were mentioned.
Doesn't know the person at all.Just did it to be nice and all they asked was for the person to pay it forward if they could.

With all the sorted and bad news out there these days this was a welcome change to the newscast.

Happy Holidays Everyone

[stomachmonkey]

Nice one.

[rsNINESOOPER]

Good concept, but supporting the Wallmart machine in not a good part of this story.

Wallmart has done a lot to push jobs overseas because of the way they treat suppliers and manufacturers of the products they sell. Not to mention pushing small businesses in the areas they are in out of business.

The idea of paying for an unknown families gifts is a great thing to do though.

[lonewolf]

Originally Posted by rsNINESOOPER

Good concept, but supporting the Wallmart machine in not a good part of this story.

Wallmart has done a lot to push jobs overseas because of the way they treat suppliers and manufacturers of the products they sell. Not to mention pushing small businesses in the areas they are in out of business.

The idea of paying for an unknown families gifts is a great thing to do though.

It's Christmas.
My post had nothing to do with whether Wallmart is good or bad.
That's just where the GOOD DEED happened. Could be anywhere so lets not turn some-ones nice idea into a Wallmart bash, kinda spoils it.

[plumb4u2]

Originally Posted by rsNINESOOPER

Good concept, but supporting the Wallmart machine in not a good part of this story.

Wallmart has done a lot to push jobs overseas because of the way they treat suppliers and manufacturers of the products they sell. Not to mention pushing small businesses in the areas they are in out of business.

The idea of paying for an unknown families gifts is a great thing to do though.

while I understand where you are coming from, the bottom line is that Walmart is the biggest employer in the US and they are probably pushing some jobs overseas so that they can keep their prices lower, which supports lower income families that can not afford to shop at higher priced small businesses.

I personally do not shop at Walmart nor does my wife but again I am not in the position where I need to

As to your first comment "supporting the walmart machine"...I don't feel that's the case, the person in the story is supporting someone who is most likely in need not Walmart

Not to be a smart ass but the person can't do his got deed at Barnies or sacs fifth ave....I doubt they have layaway department

[azasadny]

It has happened at a K-Mart in MI over the past week or so 30 layaway accounts have been paid off by strangers. Pretty cool! Those folks get "rewarded" for not using a credit card!!

[vash]

layover? i am surprised they still do that.

for me it never worked. i put something on layover, and that "fresh new purchase" excitement wears off, and i go and cancel.

i would rather help a needy family..a family using layaway doesnt mean the family is needy.

[notmytarga]

A very successful program in my community is called Adopt-a-Family.

A large social service agency collects a wishlist for screened, deserving needy families and those that can adopt them, shop, wrap and bring gifts to a collection center. The gifts, food baskets etc are brought to the families before Christmas.

The local newspaper highlights past and current families to help increase awareness and participation. Around 800! families get adopted. They also need cash donations to help with families that are not adopted or have stingy adoptive donors! We always go a tad overboard. Our kids have learned it is better to give than receive.

Look around locally for such a program. If you want to help the NVCSS Adopt a Family in the FIVE large struggling northern California counties - here is a link to help. More information too.

NVCSS Adopt-A-Family All families adopted!!

[rsNINESOOPER]

I hear you Lonewolf- I wasn't trying to come off so negative cause it is a great thing to do for a family in need and it shouldn't matter where the good deed occurred. I have a hard time letting go of the Wallmart issue cause it is directly linked to many families in need situations so I tend to speak my mind.

That said, I agree it is a noble thing to walk into a store and buy someones layaway gifts for them. Truly selfless and that is a rare commodity these days.

have a good holiday-

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by vash

layover? i am surprised they still do that.

for me it never worked. i put something on layover, and that "fresh new purchase" excitement wears off, and i go and cancel.

i would rather help a needy family..a family using layaway doesn't mean the family is needy.

Like the unknown who deposits a 1oz Gold coin in a Salvation Army kettle each year? Seems to move about the country, does this in different cities.

Salvation Army...one of those too few charities that does use a high percentage of it's take for the good projects.

[Joeaksa]

Just last week I paid the bill of the family in line behind me at the store. You to it to help and it as well makes me feel good.

[URY914]

Is there a way to pay on line so I don't have to actually go into the store?

[strupgolf]

This is one idea I would love to do if funds would permit. I know of no other "feel good" event that would make me feel better at any time of year, but this time of year, even more. Hmmm, you just got me thinking of any little thing I can do for someone else. Thanks

[Rapewta]

Last week I noticed the guy next to me couldn't afford a lap dance (I felt it).
I went and paid for it and he thanked me.
Now I see him "pulling-in" generous, nice people all the time when I go to the
joint.
Truefully... we are taking a huge quantity of canned goods straight to the downtown shelter where I know the poor people that can use the food will get it and we have a big container full of clothes, mostly new and giving it to my son and daughter-in-law in lieu of Christmas presents per their request.
The items go to an organization called "WIND". Homeless yoouts.

[lonewolf]

Your giving people joy and a story they will tell others for years at every Christmas and hopefully inspire them to do the same.
Kids will never forget. the impression,priceless.
No bad can ever come from a good deed.

[cstreit]

That's a nice gesture...

...but I'd rather people spent $$ on people that need more basic necessities like food and clothing, not the latest nerf gatling gun.

My kids 1st grade sponsored a family this year. This family (Grandma taking care fo 4 kids) didn't ask for toys, they wanted jeans, sweatshirts, and food. ...so if you're going to donate, donate to someone that REALLY needs it. You get to choose....

[notmytarga]

Originally Posted by notmytarga

NVCSS Adopt-A-Family All families adopted!!

To bring my earlier post full circle to the WalMart thing....
In the paper today:

NVCSS gets $59,400 grant from Walmart

Northern Valley Catholic Social Service has received a $59,400 grant from the Walmart Foundation to increase food assistance programs in surrounding rural areas where 40 percent, or 25,600 adults, struggle to put food on the table.

The donation will facilitate the purchase of a vehicle to strengthen food outreach efforts in Tehama County by bringing additional food resources into the county and reducing the cost of food to community members.

Catholic Charities estimates to reach 10,000 people in Tehama County or a 70 percent increase in the number of people receiving food assistance as a result of this donation.

This grant allows NVCSS to collaborate with the Community Action Agency of Tehama County, which spearheaded the Tehama FOOD Share program with the goal of getting nutritious foods to families throughout the county.

NVCSS is among 12 Catholic Charities Agencies sharing a $760,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation this holiday season. The donation is part of Walmart's $19 million holiday giving campaign to help U.S. nonprofits dedicated to fighting hunger and providing other basic needs. The retailer also launched a way for Facebook users to nominate local nonprofits for a chance to receive funding during the holidays.

[asphaltgambler]

Wow!...............................just goes to show that there are always people willing to give to others less fortunate...............

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by notmytarga

A very successful program in my community is called Adopt-a-Family.

It's successful here too because my wife's boss FORCES her team to personally contribute money and off-duty time to this, her favorite charity. To add insult to injury, they are often illegal alien families with plenty of nice consumer gadgets in their houses with very bold (how do you turn "chutzpah" into an adjective) wish lists. My wife has been out as much as $500 in one season, "contributing" to this cause and she doesn't even get a receipt for the tax deduction. They'll never get a penny from me.

Anyway, I would consider paying off some random person's layaway IF I could ascertain they were a military family. Probably no way to do that at Wal-Mart and I can't get on base to try it at a PX.

[Steve Carlton]

My bad. I thought layaways were unclaimed items available for the balance due. Oops!