An anonymous couple has brightened the holiday season for dozens of families and discreetly paid for their gifts at a toy store.
The mysterious Good Samaritans began reducing outstanding balances almost six months ago at a Toyworld store in Pakenham, East Melbourne.
Store staff believe the generous couple has settled nearly 100 outstanding accounts since they began this kind mission.
The store told Daily Mail Australia the unnamed family had paid a “substantial amount” to clear the debts, but could not give an exact figure.
He said it amounted to a higher total than previously donated and that his customers, who had benefited from the show of generosity, were delighted.
“It’s just surprising and quite overwhelming for customers,” said one store employee.
They revealed that affected customers burst into tears when they were told their Christmas gift list had been paid for.
A local grandmother, Tracie Miller, revealed how grateful she was for the kind gesture.
“We all need a little joy and we all need a little help,” he said. 7news.
Parents and grandparents were shocked to discover their Christmas gifts had been paid for by a mysterious patron.
A mystery family paid for dozens of shoppers at Toyworld Pakenham, east of Melbourne.
A store employee revealed that it was difficult to hide her excitement from unsuspecting customers who left their purchases on hold.
Employee Sandra Evans still doesn’t know much about the anonymous Christmas angels who have been settling accounts in monthly installments since June.
“All I know is that this is a husband and wife with four small children,” he said.
“It’s been going on for a while, so to hide it from everyone who comes and says, ‘Can I put this on hold?’ I’m thinking, ‘You’ll pay for it soon.’
One mother was overcome with emotion as she thanked the humble heroes for the Christmas cheer.
“My kids are really going to have a great Christmas, you guys are going to have a great Christmas,” she said excitedly.
The good deeds came to light just a week after a similar act at another Toyword store on the Gold Coast.
An anonymous businessman paid about $2,000 on toys before the Christmas holidays.
The display of holiday spirit has brought relief to parents struggling to make the holidays special for their children amid the cost of living crisis.
Data from the 2023 Christmas period showed festive spending left Australians $7.7 million in debt, according to Finder.
Now, a Sydney-based content creator has revealed she would stop buying gifts in 2024, and others say they agree.
“I just want everyone who knows me to know that I’m not giving them any gifts this year,” Laura Koefoed said in a clip on social media in November.
He said if people “abandon the gift-giving culture,” everyone involved would win.