Rockefeller Christmas tree donor sent thousands of cards after stroke

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Every two years, students at Saratoga Central Catholic School take a trip to New York City. It was on the trip downstate however that the students heard about Mr. Earl Albert, the donor of this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

"Our chaperone went around telling us about Mr. Albert and his story and how he was sick. Next thing we all knew, we were writing cards for him to get better," recalled Freshman Hannah Carter.

Mr. Albert suffered a stroke the same night his tree was cut down. When Hannah Carter and Sophomore Robert Mastandrea witnessed the magic of the tree all decked out at 30 Rock, they told NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski that they couldn't help but think of Mr. Albert.

"We just cared a lot because we got to go see this wonderful, iconic tree and he gave us that tree so we wanted to give back," stated Carter.

And so they took pen to paper; One card turned into ten turned into more than 100. "We all wrote, 'Merry Christmas,' but also decorated them with stickers and drew little drawings on them and wrote, 'I hope you feel better,'" descried Carter.

Their handmade holiday cards have been shipped to his P.O. Box. but they spent their Sunday night before Christmas making even more cards. It's a gesture that has blown the Albert family away.

"I called him and said, 'You got a big box today from one of the schools,' and of course, immediately starts crying. He says, 'Really? Wow! Really? A box?' And I said, 'Yes and it feels heavy.' So I said, 'I'm gonna come over this afternoon and bring it to you,'" explained Shawn Albert.

The Alberts said Earl's condition is improving and they look forward to spending the holidays together. They also hope to take him to see the tree before it comes down.

Christmas cards can be mailed to Mr. Earl Albert, P.O. Box 109, West Stockbridge, MA 01266.