Melissa Pechey was getting her usual order from the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street on Monday, Dec. 9, but she did not have to pay.

“I went to give them the money, and they said the person in front of me had already paid for me,” Pechey said.

Pechey, the proprietor of the Matrix salon in Wareham, was then offered the chance to pay-it-forward by paying for the next person's order, which she did. As the process continued, a chain was formed.

This is not the first time this simple act of generosity has occurred at the drive through. According to assistant manager Sarah DeMello, this sort of thing happens year-round, though it certainly picks up around the holidays.

“This has been happening a lot for about one month,” DeMello said.

“I was inspired with the Christmas spirit… and I have started it up since,” Pechey said. “I wish I could take the credit, but I thank the person from Monday… I wish I knew who it was.”

Pechey felt that the generous act is interesting because it can be so unexpected.

“You never know who is behind you,” Pechey said. “On Tuesday, I was told the giving happened for two hours.”

DeMello said that the act usually lasts for about a half-dozen customers.

“It just spreads holiday cheer,” DeMello said.