Generous schoolboy gives gifts to elderly at Saltburn care home

A NINE-YEAR-OLD schoolboy saved his pocket money to buy Christmas presents for dozens of elderly residents at a care home in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Albie Vickers, who attends Skelton Primary School, saved for weeks to purchase 17 selection boxes and 10 strawberry mousses for those living at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street.

At his first opportunity to visit the care home, Albie presented each of the residents with their surprise chocolates or dessert.

The youngster chose Hazelgrove Court because his aunt, Ebony Vickers, works there as a carer and he wanted to do something nice for those she looks after.

He said: “It was worth it to see all the smiles on the residents’ faces.

“I can’t wait for next year. I’m going to treat them all to a McDonalds. Some of the residents told me it was their favourite.”

Ebony said: “This is the first time Albie has asked his mam if he could do something like this.

“It was such a proud auntie moment to see the younger generation and the older generation sharing something so special.

“Donating something as small as a selection box made such an impact on both Albie and the residents. He has talked about nothing else since.”

Joan Johnson, 89, a resident at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, was so pleased with her gift she gave Albie a Christmas card, which has taken pride of place on his gaming station.

Fellow resident Joyce Tibbett, 88, said: “What a lovely little boy to think about doing something for the elderly.”

Colin Bulpitt, 87, added: “It gives you faith in the younger generation.”

Trish Kilburn, home manager at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “I thought it was wonderful that a nine-year-old boy thought of this. It is what Christmas is all about, giving and not wanting anything back but a feeling of joy.

“Well done Albie. You made our residents’ Christmas.”