EVERETT, Pennsylvania — For the past two years, items on layaway for over 200 families at the Walmart here have been paid for by some generous soul who won’t reveal his or her identity. This modern St. Nicholas paid off $46,000 last year in items placed on layaway by local residents. This year’s total was $40,000.
Nestled in the narrows between the Raystown branch of the Juniata River and the Tussey mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, Everett was originally called Bloody Run.
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The festivities here are serious.
That is because it seems everyone here clings to the sense of community that keeps its citizenry connected, stable, and engaged.
They understand, as do millions of other Americans, that the most important things have not passed their town by, even in the toughest of times. Faith, compassion, and community have persisted.
It is likely that whoever donated the money for the layaways here in Everett grew up in the warm embrace of the town’s grace and character. It is also likely that this character is what inspired him or her to give back.
Here’s what might surprise you the most: I think America is mostly this way. At least, America is more like Everett than it is like whatever you see on cable news. You just sometimes have to slow down to see it.
The town that wouldn’t be passed by, by Salena Zito