A COLLECTION of presents were donated to Hope House yesterday, to let those without a home feel cared for before Christmas.

After donating presents to the Salvation Army last year, Mason Hill, from Haydock, wanted to organise a similar project but on a "bigger scale".

Getting in touch with supermarkets across St Helens, and sending them a touching poem he wrote for the homeless, the 10-year-old has been collecting dozens of gifts with his mum Sharon and cousin, Ellie Turner.

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St Helens Star: Mason and Ellie collected gifts from supermarkets across St HelensMason and Ellie collected gifts from supermarkets across St Helens (Image: St Helens Star)

Sharon said: "The reaction to Mason's donations at the Salvation Army last year was so overwhelming; there were people tearing up after he dropped them off.

"He has also seen us struggling with money recently, but we stick together and get by, and we have a roof over our head.

"So he wanted to do something on a bigger scale for people who are struggling more than us, and help those who don't have a home."

Spending five weeks collecting the Christmas gifts, which included hats, scarves, toiletries, and confectionary, Mason, Ellie, and Sharon dropped the presents off at Hope House, on Corporation Street, on Wednesday, December 21.

As Hope House provides support to the homeless or those at risk of homelessness, with many suffering from personal issues or mental health problems, the cousins' gesture brought a tear to the eyes of those at the homeless hub.

St Helens Star: Mason and Ellie were thanked for their thoughtfulness and generosityMason and Ellie were thanked for their thoughtfulness and generosity (Image: St Helens Star)

The Legh Vale primary and Outwood Academy pupils, who also raised more than £1000 for Whiston Hospital's Baby Special Care Unit in 2019, were thanked by the service users for their thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity.

Julie Hand, manager of Hope House, said: "The donation from Mason and Ellie made our service users feel very special and was so grateful for the kindness that has been shown to them."

St Helens Star: Mason and Ellie's donation brought a tear to people at Hope HouseMason and Ellie's donation brought a tear to people at Hope House (Image: St Helens Star)