Man's layaway paid off by random donor

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The tragedy of Newtown, Connecticut inspired a trend around the country. 24-Hour News 8 is hearing about random acts of kindness, one of which is in Shelbyville.

Joe Lawson works at the Wal-Mart off Interstate 74. He's been there, moving up from cashier, for eight years.

"It's a good job,” he says. “Good pay. Good people."

It is also filled with good customers.

"I'm honestly at a loss for words, as articulate as I try to be."

The aspiring writer said something happened that he never expected.

"A good Samaritan paid off my layaway."

He found out on Tuesday, when a manager called him at home to say he could pick-up what he intended to give to his friends and family this Christmas.

Someone paid the last $144.

"It's really paid-off by someone who doesn't know them, or doesn't know me,” Lawson said. “And it just made the holiday season that much more special. It definitely can change your attitude about the human spirit."

It's the failings of the human spirit that inspired the gift.

His bill was paid by a woman troubled by the tragedy in Connecticut.

"She, with what happened a week ago, just really felt the need to do something nice for anybody."

Lawson found it even more admirable that she chose to remain anonymous.

"And, it's pretty rare to find that in a person."

Now, Lawson will look for an opportunity to do the same thing for someone else. Until then, he can offer two words to his anonymous angel.

"Two simple words -thank you."

Joe is not the only Wal-Mart associate to have his lay-away bill covered. The donor did the same for two of his co-workers too.

He guesses, in all, that's a gift of about $350.