A good Samaritan in Georgia paid the electrical bills for families in need this winter.

The man, known only as Steve, walked into Georgia Power in Jonesboro this week and offered cash to those walking into the lobby.

Georgia Power representative Travis Bell said that Steve was a welcome sight, especially during the holiday season.

"You've got to love it," Bell told CBS46. "It's the spirit of generosity; it's contagious."

Although Steve asked for nothing in return for his random act of kindness, there were some Georgia Power customers that were wondering what the catch was.

"I've had a couple of people who are so shocked – they think I'm trying to scam them – so they look over at the police officer who is sitting there," Steve said. "He nods his head and smiles and tells them 'It's OK.' Then I've had a couple of people who still don't want to do it."

Steve was happy to give to those who received the help, however, and did so in memory of his late wife, Lou.

"She's a great person, we had a lot of fun together," he recounted. "I was in the Army, so we travelled together. We got married when I was a lieutenant, and we moved 22 times in 27 years, so we did a lot of moving."

The couple was stationed in Saudi Arabia for 11 years, and said the dry climate suited them.

"She hated the cold as much as I did," Steve said. "If you can help people stay warm, that seems like a good thing, and I think she would appreciate that."

Lou passed away from a terminal illness before Christmas last year, and Steve had saved money to buy her gifts. He wanted to give the money away in person, as opposed to donating to a charity, so he would know exactly where the money was going.

Lou was also known for her giving spirit, and Steve said that giving to others was the ideal way to honour her.