By Corey Everitt
Santa’s secret helper has struck Pakenham by paying off all laybys at Main Street’s Toyworld, a surprise that left local parents in tears of relief.
On Wednesday 4 December, owner of Toyworld Pakenham Sandra Evans announced to local parents that all their laybys had been paid off by an anonymous donor.
Having happened before in the last few years, this time the donor was an entirely new local.
Reported to be a parent from Pakenham with four children, they wished to remain anonymous in their act of kindness for other local families.
“It’s just been amazing, it’s good for local business, good for community,” Sandra said.
“To give back to the community is just amazing because there are a lot of people here that are struggling to pay their laybys off.”
The announcement was made to the surprise of a few local parents with laybys pending at Toyworld.
Knowing now that the all-important presents were paid off, it was met with shock that quickly transformed into tears.
“It’s so nice, it just means there is that bit of help for extra goodies on the Christmas table, even just paying the school fees or gas bills,” local parent Tracie Miller said.
For Breanna Pietersen, Pakenham local with two primary school-aged children, this ensures her kids will have a most enjoyable Christmas.
“I’m in utter shock, to that family I can’t thank them enough, especially this time of year,” Breanna said.
“I’d just like to thank them so much for giving the opportunity for other parents to have that stress and pressure taken off them in Christmas time.”
Pakenham mother of three Melissa Roberson said she wished she could give the anonymous donor a ‘massive hug’.
“I had no idea that anything was coming our way today,” Melissa said.
“Just seeing massive smiles on my kid’s faces is going to mean a lot.”
Her family has had to raise their children on a single income recently, she has had to be home to care for her kindergarten-age son after he had an incident that broke his femur.
Just this week she has had to worry about paying for her daughter’s new school uniform for her transition to Year 6; the money is due this Friday.
While the day before the announcement was her oldest daughter’s 12th birthday.
As for many parents, the end of the year may be a time of expense, but ensuring your children experience Christmas to the fullest is priceless.
“I can just try and not stress about Christmas anymore and basically put that money towards our daily living stuff, what we are really struggling with at the moment,” Melissa said.
“Your children are very excited, you don’t want to ruin this moment for them.
“Like my mum keeps telling me, they are only kids for so long.”
