SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Third, fifth, and eighth grade students from Community Christian School put Christmas spirit into action Thursday at The Village at Regional West.

The students and their families donated “a truck load” of gift items to provide an on-site Christmas shopping experience for assisted living residents.

On Thursday afternoon the students arrived at The Village, set up tables, set out the merchandise, and then escorted residents through the “Christmas store” to select free gifts to give their families and friends.

The students then wrapped the gifts, helped write Christmas cards and carried the residents’ packages back to their apartments.

Activities Coordinator Crystal Schank came up with the idea as a school service project and approached Community Christian School, which agreed to partner with The Village’s Assisted Living unit.

Residents were delighted by the huge selection of new and gently used household items, clothing, toys, and other gifts on display in The Village’s commons area. They were even more excited that they didn’t have to pay for any gifts they chose.

“It was so heartwarming,” said Karen Vorse, The Village administrator. “The eighth graders had such a good time that they asked if they could assist at The Village as their monthly service project. So, for the rest of the school year, they will come to our Birthday Bash and help with the crafts, the games, and serving cake and ice cream.”

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.