I love surreptitious surprises and movements of kindness, so I couldn’t help but get the chills after reading personal accounts of peoples’ stories of and reactions to anonymous Kris Kringles who are secretly paying off customers’ layaway accounts.

“I was surprised. It seemed so amazing to me,” said Annette Pride, who works the layaway counter at a Kmart in Colorado and has witnessed acts of covert generosity since late last week.

“One woman stopped at the pawnshop and pawned something” to pay off her balance, Pride said, “but when she got here she found out that someone had already done that.”

While all of the anonymous donors are different, there’s a common thread (besides good ole holiday cheer) — they’re paying off Christmas gifts other families couldn’t afford, especially toys and children’s clothes set aside by impoverished parents. These anonymous donors are leaving a one cent balance so the account doesn’t get closed out before the customer can pick up the goodies. Many have also been urging other strangers to follow their example.

From Washington to Florida, Kmart stores in more than 15 states have been hit by Santa’s helpers.

Take Action

Some recipients say they’re going to find a way to pay the act of kindness forward, while other Kris Kringles are encouraging people to be inspired to do the same. If you’re moved by what these anonymous donors have been doing, follow their lead! If you don’t have the means to do this, think of ways you can give this holiday sans the cashola.

• Send a nice, hand written note to someone to express your gratitude. While I love using the power of the internet and social media to inspire social change — that’s why Go Inspire Go exists — go offline and write a thoughtful card. The details go a long way. Trust me on this.

• Volunteer at a local charity this holiday and give the gift of service. During this time of year, food banks and soup kitchens need man and woman power!

• Give your talents. Are you good at baking, singing or making people laugh? Give your time to someone in need. I know plenty of people who need help with chores, babysitting and errands this time of year.

Still don’t know what to do? Look at this example of how my students are sending 29 kids to school in Haiti, just by using their talents – they made videos (we’re still trying to send 52 more students; it only costs $85 per year for books, uniforms and tuition!):

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Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, we hope you’re spending some quality time connecting with your loved ones this season.

We also wanted you to think about something you and your family can do to help others as you’re enjoying your family, food and having fun.

Thanks to volunteer GIGster Ashley Lopez for being inspired to pick up a camera and document this heart-warming holiday act of kindness — Richard Valdez of San Jose, California, known as the “unlikely” Santa made this Christmas a merrier one after seeing that a lot of families in need this holiday season. Check out what one truck driver did that has many families floored!

As Richard shows us, giving doesn’t entail a lot of money, just a lot of love. Our Christmas wish: That you be inspired to use your resources and talents to help others!

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