Students in Maria Savallo’s first-grade class wrote heartfelt cards to Earl Albert, a Massachusetts resident who donated this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in honor of his late wife, Leslie. Unfortunately, a stroke in November prevented Mr. Albert from attending the tree-lighting ceremony with their family.
Having grown up in Brooklyn, Ms. Savallo continues to visit the Rockefeller tree each year with her family. When her mother told her about the tree and Mr. Albert’s story, Ms. Savallo felt inspired to help spread cheer.
She knew her students could offer comfort to Mr. Albert during this trying time by writing him cards. “My students were extremely excited to work on their cards and to bring a little joy back to Mr. Albert’s heart,” said Savallo.
“So many of us can lose sight of what this holiday season is truly about and get stuck on gifts and items rather than spreading joy and kindness,” she added.
On Dec. 6, Ms. Savallo’s class watched the tree lighting together and wrote their heartfelt messages to cheer up Mr. Albert. Each student also created a Christmas card that included their own personal drawing of the Rockefeller Center tree!.
“I hope this small act of kindness will help the students remember to spread love and positivity to the people around them,” said Savallo.
“With this specific act, we hope that our cards will bring a little bit of joy back to Mr. Albert in his time of recovery and healing and show him how grateful we are for him for donating the tree that has been a staple in so many families’ holiday season memories,” she added.
