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.