Tyler Perry's Christmas surprise
DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Tyler Perry may be retiring his Madea character, but he hasn't given up playing Santa Claus. The superstar has paid off layaway items at Walmarts in East Point and Douglasville. Shoppers began returning to the store for their layaway items Thursday afternoon.
Louise Biggers didn't know about Perry's good deed until she showed up at the Douglasville Walmart Friday morning. In fact, she came looking for an extension because she didn't have enough money to get her new 65-inch television out yet.
"I asked the clerk (about an extension) and she said no," said Biggers. "She said it's been paid for. I said 'what are you joking?'"
Perry made the announcement on his twitter account. The Atlanta-area resident said he knew these were hard times for some people and was glad to have the ability to do pay off the layaway. Anyone at the Douglasville or East Point Walmart locations who had something on layaway as of 9:30 a.m. December 6 had their layaway bill covered. According to TMZ, we're talking more than $400,000.
Biggers says she enjoys volunteering. Often times, she says she shares food and clothing with the homeless and domestic violence survivors. The grandmother believes if you put good in the world, you'll get it back
"I believe that. I believe it," said Biggers.
Walmart issued a statement:
"Tyler Perry's generous donation is making an unbelievable difference for so many families, and we can't thank him enough for his kindness. The heartfelt excitement and joy we're seeing from our customers as a result of his holiday gift has been touching."
Biggers started the week praying for a miracle.
"I talked to God. I wished for a miracle to have money to get my TV out, Guess what happened? This is a miracle!" said Biggers." Thank you, Tyler Perry. I appreciate it very much."