Abbeville family gets lay-away paid off at Lafayette toy story

Joni and Corey Broussard learned there are good people in South Louisiana.
The Broussards from Abbeville have three children, ages 2, 8 and 11. For the last couple of months, Joni has been having to raise her children and hold down a full time job because her husband, who is in the Navy Reserve, is stationed in Afghanistan for another 10 months.
It is his second tour overseas. The full-time Abbeville fireman also did a tour in Iraq.
Because Corey is overseas, the Broussards are living on a tight budget. In November, Joni went to put her children’s Christmas presents on layway at Toys R Us in Lafayette. On Tuesday, she got the shock of her life when a lady from Toy R Us called her to tell her great news.
On the end of the telephone line was someone telling her a stranger came into the store and paid off her layaway; now, she can come in and pick up her toys. Just bring her receipt, she was told.
“I did not know what to say,” said Jonie about hearing her news.
The next day she went to the Lafayette store to get her gifts. When the lady brought her the toys, on the bag was a note.
The note said: “Thank you and your family for the service and sacrifice you have provided for us to enjoy our freedom.”
Joni said, “My heart dropped. I teared up. You cannot describe the feeling. It is overwhelming.”
Financially, she said, not having to pay that bill is a big help to the family.
She told her husband the great news and he was thankful.
“Whoever did this is very thoughtful. I wish I knew the person. I am still in shock.
“I want people to know there are great people out there.”