Recommended for you
‘Tis the season of giving, and one New Jersey resident just went above and beyond to do just that with a Secret Santa gesture rivaling that of Bill Gates, who signs up to make someone smile each year through Reddit’s annual gift-swapping event.
A man identified only as “Charlie K.” marched into a local Toys ‘R’ Us over the weekend to pay for more than $10,000 worth of layaway orders. He also shelled out an additional $2,000 on toys as picked out by customers in the store to be donated to Toys for Tots. WOW!
As a spokesperson for the Cherry Hill, NJ store confirmed in an email to NJ.com, the Secret Santa requested to foot the bill for more than 62 layaway orders of 8,000 items, which added up to a whopping $10,780.
This is Charlie K.
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— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) November 24, 2017
Speaking with KCBD, the inspirational individual explained that he was “just trying to bring some happiness to people. That’s really it. Help bring back to the community that brought so much happiness to me and my family.”
Here is the interview I did live with Charlie K. — the man who picked up the tab on over $10,000 worth of items on layaway at the @ToysRUs in Cherry Hill, NJ. He also spent over $2,000 on Toys4Tots. Incredible generosity! @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/JktPT5G8Ec
— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) November 26, 2017
He also spoke to CBS Philly, adding, “I love this community and I am trying to provide back to it,” while also speaking out about his chosen charity of Toys for Tots. “The Marines and Toys for Tots are one of the best organizations, and I don’t want to forget them.”
Although Charlie K. said he strives to give back regularly, this was the first time he had ever done anything this big. He had initially planned to pay for ALL of the layaway orders, but the sum proved to be too much. Even so, those who were treated to his surprise generosity were over the moon.
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) November 24, 2017
Stephanie Dawson, who discovered that the secret Santa had paid $200 for seven presents she had picked out for her grandchildren, issued a thank you to the generous man, saying, “I want to say thank you very much, and I appreciate it, and thank God for you.” Meanwhile, shopper Jessica Key called the unexpected gesture “an early Christmas,” adding, “I want to say thank you to the gentleman that came in and donated. It’s like the best feeling, thank you.”
Our hats go off to you, Mr. K!
What do you think of Charlie K.’s gesture? Tweet us @BritandCo.
(Photos via Getty)
