Patrick O'Connor, left, and Conor Delaney put up holiday decorations Dec. 3 at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. About 40 Seneca Valley Middle School students and their teachers visited the center, where they also delivered boxes of donated gifts. The students, staff and parent chaperones also joined residents in singing Christmas carols.

ZELIENOPLE — Thanks to about 40 students in the Seneca Valley School District and six of their teachers, the holiday season will be a little brighter for residents of Passavant Retirement Community.

The seventh graders traveled from the middle school to the nursing facility on Dec. 3, bearing box after box of toiletries, large-print puzzle books, and handmade wreaths for residents in all three floors of the building.

Teacher Tris Kappeler said 120 students and their families donated all of the lotions, shampoos, soaps and puzzle books for the visit.

She said the students made the 150 decorations they hung on the residents' doors. The decorations included mitten wreaths, reindeer holding candies, and giant red-and-white mints.

"It's important to have them realize that each person can make a difference in some way," Kappeler said. "This is why we're here, to bring holiday cheer and for them to see they can make a difference in their community."

Seventh grader Alicia Hart of Cranberry Township said the project shows the residents that youths respect and admire them.

"Everyone deserves a Christmas, whether old or young," Alicia said.

Her classmate, Aaron Reichert of Harmony, said Scouting taught him to "do a good turn daily," and the Christmas project at Passavant allowed him to do so that day.

"It makes them happy," Aaron said. "Some people can't go home for Christmas, but maybe seeing us will bring (residents) the Christmas spirit."

Lance Hahn of Cranberry looked forward to brightening the spirits of the residents as he waited with his classmates in the lobby.

"It's important to do these things," Lance said. "It's a good feeling to make a senior citizen happy. When you see a smile on their faces, that's the best thing in the world."

Hazel Zimmerman, recreations services coordinator at Passavant, said seeing the enthusiasm on the 40 young faces helps boost people's faith in the younger generation.

"It's wonderful because there are not that many groups of kids willing to do something like this," Zimmerman said as she guided box-toting boys toward the elevator. "They are very enthusiastic, they have all their decorations made, and they're ready to go."

Richard Grimes, one of the many parents who came to help chaperone the project, said it is essential for young people to be exposed to serving others at as young an age as possible.

"It's important for kids to learn about volunteering and respecting their elders as well as caring for the elderly," Grimes said, "especially around the holiday season."

Seventh grade teacher Jessica Phillips was one of six middle school teachers who attended the event. She said such projects allow students to learn the rewarding experience of helping in their community.

"It's important for kids to experience the gift of giving," Phillips said.