Store employees in Blair County say seven generous customers covered the tabs of families struggling to pay for Christmas gifts.

With growing reports of “layaway angels” across the country, Altoona K-Mart store manager Jeff Robertson told 6News that the generous strangers asked to cover the balance of accounts that customers were struggling to pay for and were about to be returned to the shelves.

“With the reasoning that those are probably the people that need the help, what we’ll do it, without giving away any (personal) information, we’ll open it up and see if there’s toys or little kids cloths,” said Robertson. “We recommend that to the ‘Layaway Angel.’”

Misty Smith said she was surprised to hear of the inspirational acts in the midst of the often rude last minute holiday shopping rush.

“I wouldn’t think people would do that,” said Smith. “It’s very nice of them to do.”

Shopper Connie Kemp told 6News it’s reaffirming to hear about strangers digging deep into their purses and wallets to help strangers.

“The year that we’ve had has been very taxing on everybody,” said Kemp. “For somebody to step up and do something like that for people anonymously, especially not wanting any glory or anything for themselves, I think it’s just awesome. God bless them.”