Some Lawrence parents got a nice surprise recently when they found out their layaway bills at a Lawrence Walmart had mysteriously been paid off.

Neely Sadler, of Lawrence, said she went to the Walmart store at 3300 Iowa St. Friday morning to make a layaway payment on Christmas gifts for her two young daughters only to be told she owed nothing. Her bill of about $140 had been paid off by an anonymous older couple.

A salesperson told Sadler the couple donated $600 for any layaways that included toys for children. More than one other bill was completely paid off by the secret Santas.

It was a welcome gesture, Sadler said. She and her husband were paying off several gifts at the store, including Legos and a toy car for their daughters McKenzie, 6, and Kylie, 2.

“It was kind of nice to have my own Santa,” Sadler said. “I just want them to know how grateful I am.”

Inspired by the surprise, Sadler said, she handed off the $5 security deposit on her bill to another family who was shopping at the store.

“I know it’s not much, but I want to pass on what I can,” she said.