A big-hearted six-year-old used his own pocket money to splash out on Christmas presents – for the HOMELESS.
Little Toby Niblett filled five bags full of presents and cards with special messages in, which he handed out to the needy around his hometown.
He bought thermal hats and gloves, toothpaste, anti-bacterial wipes, food and water – and even packed it all himself.
The youngster was inspired to carry out the selfless deed after spotting homeless people bedded down in the doorway of BHS while on a trip to Gloucester city centre.
An inquisitive Toby asked if Santa would be bringing them a home for Christmas, much to the surprise of his mother Jodie Niblett, 25, who struggled to answer.
However, even after being told that Santa wouldn’t be able to house every homeless person on the street the schoolboy suggested buying them presents instead.
He used £15 of his own pocket money, plus £20 from his mum’s godmother and £25 from Jodie to fill five bags full of essentials.
Toby and his mum, who live in Lydney, Glos., bought the presents from Tesco, B&M Bargains, Poundland, and delivered them to six homeless people on December 4.
The youngster also wrote a special message in each Christmas card which read, “Because you are worthy, Merry Christmas, love Toby (age six).”
His proud mum Jodie, who is a teaching assistant, said: “We were in Gloucester doing a bit of Christmas shopping and walking down the high street when Toby noticed a lot of homeless people by BHS – which has closed down.
“There were lots of sleeping bags and Toby just said to me ‘will Santa give them a home for Christmas’. I was a bit taken aback and didn’t know how to respond.
“But I felt it was best to be honest, and replied that I didn’t think Santa would be able to do that for everyone in need.
“Toby then suggested we get them presents if Santa was able to give them all a home. So that’s what he did.
“He is a very thoughtful little boy, he is an old soul and is well above his years.
“We bought proper thermal hats and gloves, toothpaste, anti-bacterial wipes, food, water – all the essentials.
“He had breakfast bars, chocolate bars, I let him choose it all and he packed it all himself – he likes to be the boss.”
Single mum Jodie says she was nearly brought to tears when her son spoke to a homeless man sleeping in the doorway of BHS.
“He sat next to one man outside BHS in Gloucester and read him his card for him, and told him all about the gifts he brought”
“He cried and asked what Toby wanted for Christmas and if he was enjoying school. Toby was so chatty, he just spoke to the man like he was anyone else.
“The man was so thankful and hugged Toby.
“I am so proud of how thoughtful he is. Children really do have the biggest hearts.
“He comes from a one parent family and I did worry about him missing out. He is just an amazing, kind-hearted little boy. He is my inspiration.”
Toby, who attends Primrose Hill Academy in Lydney, has asked for a train set and some dinosaurs for Christmas.
