General News
25 December, 2024
Anonymous kindness sparks giving
A surprise act of generosity in Horsham has brightened the holidays for several families and inspired others in the community to step up and 'give back' this festive season.
The donors, a couple who wish to remain unnamed, recently paid off a number of Christmas lay-bys at a Horsham toy store, easing financial pressure for families and ensuring children would wake up to gifts under the tree.
According to Horsham Toyworld owner Trish Munro, the couple just came in and told her that they want to make some people happy for Christmas, provide a bit of money to pay off some of the laybys.
Ms Munro said this generosity will inspire others to play their part.
“We’ve suggested to people that if they would like to pay it forward, they’re more than welcome to in any way that they can,” she said.
“Some people can’t, so this generosity has already inspired.
“We’ve actually had some people give us something to pay off other laybys.”
Ms Munro said she was in disbelief when the couple revealed their offer.
“I couldn’t believe it. I said, you can’t do that and they said, no, we really want to do that,” she said.
“They had the opportunity to do it, so they did it.”
When people came to collect their laybys and found out that someone had already paid for them, they were thrilled. Their reactions included tears and disbelief, with comments like, ‘I can’t believe it.’
The layby collectors will now write Thanksgiving letters to the anonymous couple for their generosity.
“A lot of people said that it was extremely helpful, considering what’s going on in the economic climate at the moment,” Ms Munro said.
“Most of the people will write out a thank you card for them, so I bundle those up and send them off, so that they know that people appreciate what they’ve done,” she said.
Ms Munro believes that everyone in the community should step up and contribute in any way they can, especially during the Christmas season.
“I just think people have to do what brings them joy in their own way, as a lot of people can’t do that sort of thing“ she said.
“We’re very lucky that those people could, but I just think every little bit counts. Even if you just put a bit of silver in a donation tin, I think that’s really important.
“It gives you a bit of hope, and makes you feel a bit of joy, as we look forward to an amazing Christmas.”
Horsham Toyworld also has a donation box in the store, where people give them gifts, which they the give to the kids in the hospital throughout the year.