Secret Santa surprises Walmart shoppers, pays off $166K in layaways

A secret Santa has hit a trio of Walmart stores in Pennsylvania, paying for about $166,000 worth of merchandise on layaway at the stores, according to multiple reports.

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The anonymous donor, who goes by the name "Santa B," on Monday paid $74,000 in layaways at a store in Dauphin County and $46,000 at another in Lebanon County, Walmart spokeswoman Leslee Wright

.

The secret Santa last week paid for about $46,000 in layaways at a Walmart in Everett, the spokeswoman said.

"When customers quietly pay off others' layaway items, we're reminded how good people can be," a Walmart official said in a statement. "The joy that comes from these transactions extends well beyond dollars and cents. We're honored to be a small part of these random acts of kindness."

It is at least the third consecutive year that Santa B has spread holiday cheer.

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"The checks all came from the same individual," Wright

. "We don't know who he is or where he's from. We enjoy the mystery and enjoy the excitement he brings to an awful lot of people."

Amanda Avila, a Walmart employee who had toys for her 2-year-old son on layaway at one of the stores, told the Daily News that she was stunned by the stranger's generosity.

"They are like the real Santa," she said.

Cox Media Group