Layaway: In tough times, a new way to give

The struggles of many families to afford Christmas gifts this year has led to the return of layaway, which was once believed to be obsolete in the age of the credit card. Layaway’s return has led to one unexpected silver lining - the rise of “Layaway Santa.’’ Starting at a Kmart in Michigan, anonymous do-gooders have been paying down the accounts of those purchasing toys or children’s clothes .