Oklahoma layaway angels, others pay forward while holiday shopping

Beckley said the woman brought her children with her and made it a teaching moment in “paying it forward.”

‘I can't believe it'

Last year, the store had more than $14,000 given by layaway angels, including one who gave $10,000. The accounts are paid except for a penny so they don't close, and the store employees call the lucky customers with the news.

“For the most part, it's a state of shock and ‘I can't believe it' and ‘that's wonderful,'” Beckley said. “They're real happy. The emotions last year were laughter and people crying.”

Monty Swain, who manages the Shawnee Kmart store where several layaway angels visited last year, said staff often help the giver identify households with children by looking for layaway accounts that have toys listed. The donors aren't allowed to access customers' names or personal information.

“They don't want recognition. It's not about them. It's about helping the kids out,” Swain said.

‘Dream Receipt'

Kohl's recently started a promotion with a twist on giving back. The retailer is picking up the tab for one lucky customer at each of its 1,100 stores nationwide, as well as one online customer, every day through Christmas Eve. Each winner also receives a $10 transferable gift card so they can pay it forward by giving it to someone else.