COLUMBUS, Ohio — An anonymous donor has given people who couldn’t afford a Christmas tree a chance to take one home after paying for all the remaining trees on a lot at a Catholic elementary school in Columbus.

A man showed up Monday afternoon and paid for dozens of trees priced at $40 and $50. People cleared the lot Tuesday morning after the principal of St. Mary School posted that the trees were free to anyone in need.

Proceeds from the annual sale benefit charities.