The holidays are the perfect time to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others.

There are thousands of families in need throughout the Valley, struggling to make ends meet and provide a happy holiday for their young children. Fundraisers such as Toys for Tots go a long way in helping these families, but there are plenty more parents struggling to stretch their paychecks to cover the cost of holiday food and gifts.

One heartwarming example of holiday cheer happened this week at Toys “R” Us at the Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix. Like many other large stores, Toys “R” Us offers a layaway service, where shoppers can select their items and pay for them in installments. This is especially popular during the holidays, when the cost of toys and gifts can quickly add up, and many families choose to use this option.

Shoppers who stopped by the Toys “R” Us in Phoenix this past week to make payments on their layaway items were treated to a special surprise- an anonymous donor had paid off 60 layaway accounts in full.

The kind donator asked to remain anonymous. In 2011, a group called Pay Away the Layaway was formed to help pay off layaway items for families throughout the United States, and it is unclear if the donation was related to that. Regardless, it was a happy ending for sixty shoppers and a reminder of the giving spirit and making a difference for those in need.